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 theyintended to do when writing a book, I beg leave to say that there isno moral to this story. Rose is not designed for a model girl, and theSequel was simply written in fulfillment of a promise, hoping to affordsome amusement, and perhaps here and there a helpful hint, to otherroses 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 dayawaiting the arrival of an ocean steamer with an impatience which founda vent in lively skirmishes with a small lad, who pervaded the premiseslike a will-o'-the-wisp and afforded much amusement to the other groupsassembled there. 

"They are the Campbells, waiting for their cousin, who has been abroadseveral years with her uncle, the doctor, " whispered one lady to anotheras 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 downamong the piles. 

"Which is that?" asked the stranger. 

"Prince Charlie, as he's called a fine fellow, the most promising of theseven, but a little fast, people say, " answered the first speaker with ashake of the head. 

"Are the others his brothers?"

"No, cousins. The elder is Archie, a most exemplary young man. He hasjust gone into business with the merchant uncle and bids fair to be anhonor to his family. The other, with the eyeglasses and no gloves, isMac, the odd one, just out of college. "

"And the boy?"

"Oh, he is Jamie, the youngest brother of Archibald, and the pet of thewhole 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 timeJamie had been fished out of a hogshead, the steamer hove in sight andeverything else was forgotten. As it swung slowly around to enter thedock, a boyish voice shouted, "There she is! I see her and Uncle andPhebe! Hooray for Cousin Rose!" And three small cheers were given witha will by Jamie as he stood on a post waving his arms like a windmillwhile his brother held onto the tail of his jacket. 

Yes, there they were Uncle Alec swinging his hat like a boy, with Phebesmiling and nodding on one side and Rose kissing both hands delightedlyon the other as she recognized familiar faces and heard familiar voiceswelcoming her home. 

"Bless her dear heart, she's bonnier than ever! Looks like a Madonnadoesn't she? with that blue cloak round her, and her bright hair flyingin the wind!" said Charlie excitedly as they watched the group upon thedeck with eager eyes. 

"Madonnas don't wear hats like that. Rose hasn't changed much, but Phebehas. Why, she's a regular beauty!" answered Archie, staring with all hismight at the dark-eyed young woman with the brilliant color and glossyblack braids shining in the sun. 

"Dear old Uncle! Doesn't it seem good to have him back?" was all Macsaid, but he was not looking at "dear old uncle" as he made the ferventremark, for he saw only the slender blond girl nearby and stretched outhis hands to meet hers, forgetful of the green water tumbling betweenthem. 

During the confusion that reigned for a moment as the steamer settled toher moorings, Rose looked down into the four faces upturned to hers andseemed to read in them something that both pleased and pained her. Itwas only a glance, and her own eyes were full, but through the mist ofhappy tears she received the impression that Archie was about the same, that Mac had decidedly improved, and that something was amiss withCharlie. There was no time for observation, however, for in a momentthe shoreward rush began, and before she could grasp her traveling bag, Jamie was clinging to her like an ecstatic young bear. She was withdifficulty released from his embrace to fall into the gentler onesof the elder cousins, who took advantage of the general excitement towelcome both blooming girls with affectionate impartiality. Then thewanderers were borne ashore in a triumphal procession, while Jamiedanced rapturous jigs before them even on the gangway. 

Archie remained to help his uncle get the luggage through the CustomHouse, and the others escorted the damsels home. No sooner were theyshut up in a carriage, however, than a new and curious constraint seemedto fall upon the young people, for they realized, all at once, thattheir former playmates were men and women now. Fortunately, Jamiewas quite free from this feeling of restraint and, sitting bodkinwisebetween the ladies, took all sorts of liberties with them and theirbelongings. 

"Well, my mannikin, what do you think of us?" asked Rose, to break anawkward pause. 

"You've both grown so pretty, I can't decide which I like best. Phebe isthe biggest and brightest-looking, and I was always fond of Phebe, butsomehow you are so kind of sweet and precious, I really think I must hugyou again, " and the small youth did it tempestuously. 

"If you love me best, I shall not mind a bit about your thinking Phebethe handsomest, because she is. Isn't she, boys?" asked Rose, with amischievous look at the gentlemen opposite, whose faces expressed arespectful admiration which much amused her. 

"I'm so dazzled by the brilliancy and beauty that has suddenly burstupon 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 gravelyadjusted his eyeglasses and took an observation. 

"Well?" said Phebe, smiling and blushing under his honest stare, yetseeming not to resent it as she did the lordly sort of approval whichmade her answer the glance of Charlie's audacious blue eyes with a flashof her black ones. 

"I think if you were my sister, I should be very proud of you, becauseyour face shows what I admire more than its beauty truth and courage, Phebe, " answered Mac with a little bow full of such genuine respect thatsurprise and pleasure brought a sudden dew to quench the fire of thegirl's eyes and soothe the sensitive pride of the girl's heart. 

Rose clapped her hands just as she used to do when anything delightedher, and beamed at Mac approvingly as she said: "Now that's a criticismworth having, and we are much obliged. I was sure you'd admire my Phebewhen you knew her, but I didn't believe you would be wise enough to seeit at once, and you have gone up many pegs in my estimation, I assureyou. "

"I was always fond of mineralogy you remember, and I've been tappinground a good deal lately, so I've learned to know precious metals when Isee 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 wasalways the best. I thought Uncle would have died of laughter over thevegetarian mania it was so funny to imagine you living on bread andmilk, baked apples, and potatoes roasted in your own fire, " continuedRose, changing the subject again. 

"This old chap was the laughingstock of his class. They called him DonQuixote, and the way he went at windmills of all sorts was a sight tosee, " put in Charlie, evidently feeling that Mac had been patted on thehead 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 sherejoice 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 towish "the old chap" had been left behind with Dr. Alec. 

"Oh, come, that's all Mother's nonsense. I began earlier than the otherfellows and liked it better, so I don't deserve any praise. Prince isright, though. I did make a regular jack of myself, but on the wholeI'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, " saidMac 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 wassuspelled 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 afatal gift of making malapropos remarks, which caused him to be a terrorto his family. 

"Do you want to go on the box again?" demanded Prince with a warningfrown. 

"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, acrushed boy, consoling himself with Rose's new watch for the indignitieshe suffered at the hands of the "old fellows" as he vengefully calledhis elders. 

Mac and Charlie immediately began to talk as hard as their tongues couldwag, bringing up all sorts of pleasant subjects so successfullythat peals of laughter made passersby look after the merry load withsympathetic smiles. 

An avalanche of aunts fell upon Rose as soon as she reached home, andfor the rest of the day the old house buzzed like a beehive. Eveningfound the whole tribe collected in the drawing rooms, with the exceptionof Aunt Peace, whose place was empty now. 

Naturally enough, the elders settled into one group after a while, andthe young fellows clustered about the girls like butterflies around twoattractive flowers. Dr. Alec was the central figure in one room and Rosein 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 curiouschange in the relative positions of the cousins, especially the threeelder ones, who eyed her with a mixture of boyish affection and manlyadmiration that was both new and pleasant. 

Something sweet yet spirited about her charmed them and piqued theircuriosity, for she was not quite like other girls, and rather startledthem now and then by some independent little speech or act which madethem 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 toinhabit. 

"Dear child how nice it is to see her safely back, so well and happy andlike her sweet little self!" said Aunt Plenty, folding her hands as ifgiving thanks for a great happiness. 

"I shouldn't wonder if you found that you'd brought a firebrand into thefamily, Alec. Two, in fact, for Phebe is a fine girl, and the lads havefound it out already if I'm not mistaken, " added Uncle Mac, with a nodtoward the other room. 

All eyes followed his, and a highly suggestive tableau presented itselfto the paternal and maternal audience in the back parlor. 

Rose and Phebe, sitting side by side on the sofa, had evidently assumedat 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 andbecome the friend, and Rose meant to have that fact established at once. 

Jamie occupied the rug, on which Will and Geordie stood at ease, showingtheir uniforms to the best advantage, for they were now in a greatschool, where military drill was the delight of their souls. Steve posedgracefully in an armchair, with Mac lounging over the back of it, whileArchie leaned on one corner of the low chimneypiece, looking down atPhebe as she listened to his chat with smiling lips and cheeks almost asrich in color as the carnations in her belt. 

But Charlie was particularly effective, although he sat upon a musicstool, that most trying position for any man not gifted with grace inthe management of his legs. Fortunately Prince was, and had fallen intoan easy attitude, with one arm over the back of the sofa, his handsomehead bent a little, as he monopolized Rose, with a devoted air and avery 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 Macwith an anxious glance; Mrs. Myra murmured something about her "blessedCaroline"; and Aunt Plenty said warmly, "Bless the dears! Anyone mightbe proud of such a bonny flock of bairns as that. "

"I am all ready to play chaperon as soon as you please, Alec, for Isuppose the dear girl will come out at once, as she did not before youwent away. My services won't be wanted long, I fancy, for with hermany advantages she will be carried off in her first season or I'm muchmistaken, " 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, halfto 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 somethingalmost pathetic in the sight of a young girl standing on the thresholdof the world, so innocent and hopeful, so ignorant of all that liesbefore her, and usually so ill prepared to meet the ups and downs oflife. We do our duty better by the boys, but the poor little women areseldom provided with any armor worth having, and sooner or later theyare sure to need it, for every one must fight her own battle, and onlythe brave and strong can win. "

"You can't reproach yourself with neglect of that sort, Alec, for youhave done your duty faithfully by George's girl, and I envy you thepride and happiness of having such a daughter, for she is that to you, "answered old Mac, unexpectedly betraying the paternal sort of tendernessmen seldom feel for their sons. 

"I've tried, Mac, and I am both proud and happy, but with every year myanxiety seems to increase. I've done my best to fit Rose for what maycome, as far as I can foresee it, but now she must stand alone, and allmy care is powerless to keep her heart from aching, her life from beingsaddened by mistakes, or thwarted by the acts of others. I can onlystand 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 Rosealready. 

"Hark! And let her tell you herself, " answered Dr. Alec, as Rose's voicewas heard saying very earnestly, "Now, you have all told your plans forthe future, why don't you ask us ours?"

"Because we know that there is only one thing for a pretty girl to dobreak a dozen or so hearts before she finds one to suit, then marry andsettle, " answered Charlie, as if no other reply was possible. 

"That may be the case with many, but not with us, for Phebe and Ibelieve that it is as much a right and a duty for women to do somethingwith their lives as for men, and we are not going to be satisfied withsuch frivolous parts as you give us, " cried Rose with kindling eyes. "Imean what I say, and you cannot laugh me down. Would you be contented tobe told to enjoy yourself for a little while, then marry and do nothingmore till you die?" she added, turning to Archie. 

"Of course not that is only a part of a man's life, " he answereddecidedly. 

"A very precious and lovely part, but not all, " continued Rose. "Neithershould it be for a woman, for we've got minds and souls as well ashearts; 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 ofbeing told that is all a woman is fit for! I won't have anything to dowith love till I prove that I am something besides a housekeeper andbaby-tender!"

"Heaven preserve us! Here's woman's rights with a vengeance!" criedCharlie, starting up with mock horror, while the others regarded Rosewith mingled surprise and amusement, evidently fancying it all a girlishoutbreak. 

"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 onthe faces of her cousins. "I have made up my mind not to be cheated outof the real things that make one good and happy and, just because I'm arich girl, fold my hands and drift as so many do. I haven't lived withPhebe all these years in vain. I know what courage and self-reliance cando for one, and I sometimes wish I hadn't a penny in the world so that Icould go and earn my bread with her, and be as brave and independent asshe will be pretty soon. "

It was evident that Rose was in earnest now, for as she spoke she turnedto her friend with such respect as well as love in her face that thelook told better than any words how heartily the rich girl appreciatedthe virtues hard experience had given the poor girl, and how eagerly shedesired to earn what all her fortune could not buy for her. 

Something in the glance exchanged between the friends impressed theyoung men in spite of their prejudices, and it was in a perfectlyserious 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 itstroubles and trials as well as poverty. "

"I know it, and I'm going to try and fill my place well. I've got somecapital little plans all made, and have begun to study my professionalready, " 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, butas that is evidently not to your taste, I am afraid you are going tostudy medicine and be a doctor. Won't your patients have a heavenly timethough? It will be easy dying with an angel to poison them. "

"Now, Charlie, that's base of you, when you know how well women havesucceeded in this profession and what a comfort Dr. Mary Kirk was todear Aunt Peace. I did want to study medicine, but Uncle thought itwouldn't do to have so many M. D. 's in one family, since Mac thinks oftrying it. Besides, I seem to have other work put into my hands that Iam better fitted for. "

"You are fitted for anything that is generous and good, and I'll standby you, no matter what you've chosen, " cried Mac heartily, for this wasa new style of talk from a girl's lips, and he liked it immensely. 

"Philanthropy is a generous, good, and beautiful profession, and I'vechosen it for mine because I have much to give. I'm only the stewardof the fortune Papa left me, and I think, if I use it wisely for thehappiness of others, it will be more blest than if I keep it all formyself. "

Very sweetly and simply was this said, but it was curious to see howdifferently the various hearers received it. 

Charlie shot a quick look at his mother, who exclaimed, as if in spiteof herself, "Now, Alec, are you going to let that girl squander a finefortune on all sorts of charitable nonsense and wild schemes for theprevention of pauperism and crime?"

"'They who give to the poor lend to the Lord, ' and practicalChristianity is the kind He loves the best, " was all Dr. Alec answered, but it silenced the aunts and caused even prudent Uncle Mac to thinkwith sudden satisfaction of certain secret investments he had made whichpaid him no interest but the thanks of the poor. 

Archie and Mac looked well pleased and promised their advice andassistance with the enthusiasm of generous young hearts. Steve shookhis head, but said nothing, and the lads on the rug at once proposedfounding a hospital for invalid dogs and horses, white mice, and woundedheroes. 

"Don't you think that will be a better way for a woman to spend her lifethan 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'tknow anything more captivating than a sweet girl in a meek little bonnetgoing on charitable errands and glorifying poor people's houses witha delightful mixture of beauty and benevolence. Fortunately, the dearsouls soon tire of it, but it's heavenly while it lasts. "

Charlie spoke in a tone of mingled admiration and contempt, and smileda superior sort of smile, as if he understood all the innocent delusionsas well as the artful devices of the sex and expected nothing more fromthem. It both surprised and grieved Rose, for it did not sound likethe Charlie she had left two years ago. But she only said, with areproachful look and a proud little gesture of head and hand, as if sheput the subject aside since it was not treated with respect: "I am sorryyou have so low an opinion of women. There was a time when you believedin them sincerely. "

"I do still, upon my word I do! They haven't a more devoted admirerand 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 answeredwith a look in her eyes that his lordship did not like, "Thank you. Idon't want admirers or slaves, but friends and helpers. I've lived solong with a wise, good man that I am rather hard to suit, perhaps, butI don't intend to lower my standard, and anyone who cares for my regardmust 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 intothe other room, privately lamenting that Uncle Alec had spoiled a finegirl by making her strong-minded. 

He wished himself back again in five minutes, for Mac said somethingthat produced a gale of laughter, and when he took a look over hisshoulder the "wrathful dove" was cooing so peacefully and pleasantlyhe was sorely tempted to return and share the fun. But Charlie had beenspoiled by too much indulgence, and it was hard for him to own himselfin the wrong even when he knew it. He always got what he wanted sooneror later, and having long ago made up his mind that Rose and her fortunewere to be his, he was secretly displeased at the new plans and beliefsof the young lady, but flattered himself that they would soon be changedwhen she saw how unfashionable and inconvenient they were. 

Musing over the delightful future he had laid out, he made himselfcomfortable in the sofa corner near his mother till the appearance ofa slight refection caused both groups to melt into one. Aunt Plentybelieved in eating and drinking, so the slightest excuse for festivitydelighted her hospitable soul, and on this joyful occasion she surpassedherself. 

It was during this informal banquet that Rose, roaming about from oneadmiring relative to another, came upon the three younger lads, who werehaving a quiet little scuffle in a secluded corner. 

"Come out here and let me have a look at you, " she said enticingly, forshe predicted an explosion and public disgrace if peace was not speedilyrestored. 

Hastily smoothing themselves down, the young gentlemen presented threeflushed and merry countenances for inspection, feeling highly honored bythe command. 

"Dear me, how you two have grown! You big things how dare you get headof me in this way!" she said, standing on tiptoe to pat the curly patesbefore her, for Will and Geordie had shot up like weeds, and now grinnedcheerfully down upon her as she surveyed them in comic amazement. 

"The Campbells are all fine, tall fellows, and we mean to be the best ofthe lot. Shouldn't wonder if we were six-footers like Grandpa, " observedWill proudly, looking so like a young Shanghai rooster, all legs and aninsignificant head, that Rose kept her countenance with difficulty. 

"We shall broaden out when we get our growth. We are taller than Stevenow, a half a head, both of us, " added Geordie, with his nose in theair. 

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 ofthe 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 arow and look you over, as you did me that dreadful day when you nearlyfrightened me out of my wits, " she said, laughing at the memory of it asshe spoke. 

They came in a body and, standing shoulder to shoulder, made such animposing 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 lineof smiling cousins with dignity and spirit. 

"Now, I'm going to stare at you as you stared at me. It is my revenge onyou seven bad boys for entrapping one poor little girl and enjoying heralarm. 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 abecoming change, for naturally they were rather keen than kind. 

"A true Campbell, bless you!" she said, and shook his hand heartily asshe passed on. 

Charlie came next, and here she felt less satisfied, though scarcelyconscious 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 Ileft, 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 honestblue eyes that looked straight back at her, full of a frank and friendlyaffection that warmed her heart and made her own eyes brighten asshe gave back the glasses, saying, with a look and tone of cordialsatisfaction, "You are not changed, my dear old Mac, and I'm so glad ofthat!"

"Now say something extra sweet to me, because I'm the flower of thefamily, " said Steve, twirling the blond moustache, which was evidentlythe pride of his life. 

Rose saw at a glance that Dandy deserved his name more than ever, andpromptly 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 turncame next. 

"You blessed beanstalks! I'm proud of you only don't grow quite out ofsight, 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 bothwere red as peonies, though their boyish eyes were as clear and calm assummer lakes. 

"Now me!" and Jamie assumed his manliest air, feeling that he did notappear to advantage among his tall kinsmen. But he went to the headof 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 tooold, 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 growup!" cried Jamie, rather losing his head at this sudden promotion. 

"Bless the baby, what is he talking about?" laughed Rose, looking downat 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 keepthe property in the family, so I speak first, because you are very fondof me, and I do love curls. "

Alas for Jamie! This awful speech had hardly left his innocent lips whenWill and Geordie swept him out of the room like a whirlwind, and thehowls of that hapless boy were heard from the torture hall, where beingshut into the skeleton case was one of the mildest punishments inflictedupon him. 

Dismay fell upon the unfortunates who remained, but their confusion wassoon ended, for Rose, with a look which they had never seen upon herface before, dismissed them with the brief command, "Break ranks thereview is over, " and walked away to Phebe. 

"Confound that boy! You ought to shut him up or gag him!" fumed Charlieirritably. 

"He shall be attended to, " answered poor Archie, who was trying to bringup the little marplot with the success of most parents and guardians. 

"The whole thing was deuced disagreeable, " growled Steve, who felt thathe had not distinguished himself in the late engagement. 

"Truth generally is, " observed Mac dryly as he strolled away with hisodd smile. 

As if he suspected discord somewhere, Dr. Alec proposed music at thiscrisis, 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 andpulling out the old music books. 

"I had better come first, for after you have heard the nightingale youwon't care for the canary, " added Rose, wishing to put Phebe at herease, for she sat among them looking like a picture, but rather shy andsilent, 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. Thiswas a favorite, I think, " and sitting down she sang the first familiarair 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 thetime when Mac was ill and she took care of him. The memory was sweet toher, and involuntarily her eye wandered in search of him. He was notfar away, sitting just as he used to sit when she soothed his mostdespondent moods astride of a chair with his head down on his arms, asif the song suggested the attitude. Her heart quite softened to him asshe looked, and she decided to forgive him if no one else, for she wassure that he had no mercenary plans about her tiresome money. 

Charlie had assumed a pensive air and fixed his fine eyes upon her withan expression of tender admiration, which made her laugh in spite of allher efforts to seem unconscious of it. She was both amused and annoyedat his very evident desire to remind her of certain sentimental passagesin the last year of their girl- and boy-hood, and to change what she hadconsidered a childish joke into romantic earnest. Rose had very seriousideas of love and had no intention of being beguiled into even aflirtation with her handsome cousin. 

So Charlie attitudinized unnoticed and was getting rather out of temperwhen Phebe began to sing, and he forgot all about himself in admirationof her. It took everyone by surprise, for two years of foreign trainingadded to several at home had worked wonders, and the beautiful voicethat used to warble cheerily over pots and kettles now rang outmelodiously or melted to a mellow music that woke a sympathetic thrillin those who listened. Rose glowed with pride as she accompanied herfriend, for Phebe was in her own world now a lovely world where nodepressing memory of poorhouse or kitchen, ignorance or loneliness, cameto trouble her, a happy world where she could be herself and rule othersby the magic of her sweet gift. 

Yes, Phebe was herself now, and showed it in the change that came overher at the first note of music. No longer shy and silent, no longer theimage of a handsome girl but a blooming woman, alive and full of theeloquence 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 andjoyfully as the lark does soaring toward the sun. 

"My faith, Alec that's the sort of voice that wins a man's heart outof his breast!" exclaimed Uncle Mac, wiping his eyes after one of theplaintive 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 thatmoment he fell in love with Phebe. He actually did, and could fix thetime almost to a second, for at a quarter past nine, he merely thoughther a very charming young person; at twenty minutes past, he consideredher 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 wasa lost man, floating over a delicious sea to that temporary heaven onearth where lovers usually land after the first rapturous plunge. 

If anyone had mentioned this astonishing fact, nobody would havebelieved it; nevertheless, it was quite true, and sober, businesslikeArchie suddenly discovered a fund of romance at the bottom of hishitherto well-conducted heart that amazed him. He was not quite clearwhat had happened to him at first, and sat about in a dazed sort of way, seeing, hearing, knowing nothing but Phebe, while the unconscious idolfound something wanting in the cordial praise so modestly receivedbecause 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 anunprecedented fact, it produced a great sensation, though only oneperson 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 washelping her as of old. Mac and Rose were alone he apparently in a brownstudy, leaning his elbows on the chimneypiece, and she lying back in alow chair looking thoughtfully at the fire. She was tired, and the quietwas grateful to her, so she kept silence and Mac respectfully held histongue. Presently, however, she became conscious that he was looking ather as intently as eyes and glasses could do it, and without stirringfrom her comfortable attitude, she said, smiling up at him, "He looks aswise 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 thesweetest thing God ever made. '"

"Why, Mac!" and Rose sat bolt upright with an astonished face this wassuch an entirely unexpected sort of remark for the philosopher to make. 

Evidently interested in the new discovery, Mac placidly continued, "Doyou know, it seems as if I never really saw a girl before, or hadany idea what agreeable creatures they could be. I fancy you are aremarkably good specimen, Rose. "

"No, indeed! I'm only hearty and happy, and being safe at home againmay make me look better than usual perhaps, but I'm no beauty except toUncle. "

"'Hearty and happy' that must be it, " echoed Mac, soberly investigatingthe 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 thatyou don't like or notice girls?" asked Rose, much amused at this newpeculiarity of her studious cousin. 

"Well, no, I am only conscious of two sorts noisy and quiet ones. Iprefer the latter, but, as a general thing, I don't notice any of themmuch more than I do flies, unless they bother me, then I'd like to flapthem away, but as that won't do, I hide. "

Rose leaned back and laughed until her eyes were full. It was so comicalto hear Mac sink his voice to a confidential whisper at the lastwords and see him smile with sinful satisfaction at the memory of thetormentors he had eluded. 

"You needn't laugh it's a fact, I assure you. Charlie likes thecreatures, and they spoil him. Steve follows suit, of course. Archie isa respectful slave when he can't help himself. As for me, I don'toften give them a chance, and when I get caught I talk science and deadlanguages till they run for their lives. Now and then I find a sensibleone, 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'tcare for her. I can see that she is pleasant to look at, so I fancyI shall like her. As for you, I helped bring you up, therefore I am alittle anxious to see how you turn out. I was afraid your foreign polishmight spoil you, but I think it has not. In fact, I find you quitesatisfactory so far, if you don't mind my saying it. I don't quite knowwhat the charm is, though. Must be the power of inward graces, since youinsist that you have no outer ones. "

Mac was peering at her with a shrewd smile on his lips, but such akindly look behind the glasses that she found both words and glance verypleasant and answered merrily, "I am glad you approve of me, and muchobliged for your care of my early youth. I hope to be a credit to youand depend on your keeping me straight, for I'm afraid I shall be spoiltamong you all. "

"I'll keep my eye on you upon one condition, " replied the youthfulmentor. 

"Name it. "

"If you are going to have a lot of lovers around, I wash my hands ofyou. If not, I'm your man. "

"You must be sheep dog and help keep them away, for I don't want any yetawhile and, between ourselves, I don't believe I shall have any if it isknown that I am strong-minded. That fact will scare most men away like ayellow flag, " said Rose, for, thanks to Dr. Alec's guardianship, she hadwasted neither heart nor time in the foolish flirtations so many girlsfritter away their youth upon. 

"Hum! I rather doubt that, " muttered Mac as he surveyed the damselbefore him. 

She certainly did not look unpleasantly strong-minded, and she wasbeautiful in spite of her modest denials. Beautiful with the truest sortof beauty, for nobility of character lent its subtle charm to the bloomof youth, the freshness of health, the innocence of a nature whose sweetmaidenliness Mac felt but could not describe. Gentle yet full of spirit, and all aglow with the earnestness that suggests lovely possibilitiesand makes one hope that such human flowers may have heaven's purest airand warmest sunshine to blossom in. 

"Wait and see, " answered Rose; then, as her uncle's voice was heard inthe hall, she held out her hand, adding pleasantly, "The old times areto begin again, so come soon and tell me all your doings and help mewith 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 Idon'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 backin merry confusion while the audacious youth assumed an air of mildsurprise as he innocently asked: "Didn't we always say good night inthat way? I had an impression that we did and were to begin just as weleft off. "

"Of course not. No power on earth would have bribed you to do it, as youknow well enough. I don't mind the first night, but we are too old forthat sort of thing now. "

"I'll remember. It was the force of habit, I suppose, for I'm sureI 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 acomfort, for some of the others have grown up very fast, " said Rose toherself, recalling Charlie's sentimental airs and Archie's beatifiedexpression 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 mindsto go away!" exclaimed Rose as she went roaming about the old house nextmorning, full of the satisfaction one feels at revisiting familiar nooksand 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 totuck in here, " continued the younger girl, peeping into one of the tallIndia jars that stood about the hall. 

"Don't you remember how Jamie and Pokey used to play Forty Thieves withthem, and how you tried to get into that blue one and got stuck, and theother boys found us before I could pull you out?" asked Phebe, laughing. 

"Yes, indeed, and speaking of angels, one is apt to hear the rustlingof their wings, " added Rose, as a shrill whistle came up the avenueaccompanied by the clatter of hoofs. 

"It is the circus!" cried Phebe gaily as they both recalled the red cartand the charge of the clan. 

There was only one boy now, alas, but he made noise enough for half adozen, and before Rose could run to the door, Jamie came bouncing inwith a "shining morning face, " a bat over his shoulder, a red and whitejockey cap on his head, one pocket bulging with a big ball, the otheroverflowing with cookies, and his mouth full of the apple he was justfinishing off in hot haste. 

"Morning! I just looked in to make sure you'd really come and see thatyou were all right, " he observed, saluting with bat and doffing the gaycap with one effective twitch. 

"Good morning, dear. Yes, we really are here, and getting to rights asfast 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 squareabout the chin. 

"No, ma'am! Why, don't you know? I'm captain of the Base Ball StarClub. Look at that, will you?" And, as if the fact were one of nationalimportance, Jamie flung open his jacket to display upon his proudlyswelling chest an heart-shaped red flannel shield decorated with a whitecotton star the size of a tea plate. 

"Superb! I've been away so long I forgot there was such a game. And youthe captain?" cried Rose, deeply impressed by the high honor to whichher kinsman had arrived. 

"I just am, and it's no joke you'd better believe, for we knock ourteeth out, black our eyes, and split our fingers almost as well as thebig fellows. You come down to the Common between one and two and see usplay a match, then you'll understand what hard work it is. I'll teachyou to bat now if you'll come out on the lawn, " added Jamie, fired witha wish to exhibit his prowess. 

"No, thank you, captain. The grass is wet, and you'll be late at schoolif you stay for us. "

"I'm not afraid. Girls are not good for much generally, but you neverused to mind a little wet and played cricket like a good one. Can't youever do that sort of thing now?" asked the boy, with a pitying lookat these hapless creatures debarred from the joys and perils of manlysports. 

"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 stepsbefore astonished Jamie could mount and follow. 

He was off in a moment, but Rose had the start, and though old Sheltiedid his best, she reached the goal just ahead, and stood there laughingand panting, all rosy with fresh October air, a pretty picture forseveral gentlemen who were driving by. 

"Good for you, Rose!" said Archie, jumping out to shake hands while Willand Geordie saluted and Uncle Mac laughed at Jamie, who looked as ifgirls had risen slightly in his opinion. 

"I'm glad it is you, because you won't be shocked. But I'm so happy tobe back I forgot I was not little Rose still, " said Atalanta, smoothingdown her flying hair. 

"You look very like her, with the curls on your shoulders in the oldway. I missed them last night and wondered what it was. How are Uncleand Phebe?" asked Archie, whose eyes had been looking over Rose's headwhile he spoke toward the piazza, where a female figure was visibleamong 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. Thisfellow 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 UncleMac, pulling out his watch. 

With a last look from the light-haired figure at the gate to thedark-haired one among the vines, Archie drove away and Jamie canteredafter, consoling himself for his defeat with apple number two. 

Rose lingered a moment, feeling much inclined to continue her run andpop in upon all the aunts in succession, but, remembering her uncoveredhead, was about to turn back when a cheerful "Ahoy! ahoy!" made her lookup 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 themerrier, " she said, running to meet him. "You look like a good boy goingto 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 beenreading, 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, wavinga plumy spray of asters as if pointing out the lovely autumn world aboutthem, full of gay hues, fresh airs, and mellow sunshine. 

"That reminds me that I didn't get a chance to hear much about yourplans last night the other boys all talked at once, and you only got aword now and then. What have you decided to be, Mac?" asked Rose as theywent 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 quicklyinto Mac's face to see a new expression there. It was indescribable, butshe felt as she had often done when watching the mists part suddenly, giving glimpses of some mountaintop, shining serene and high against theblue. 

"I think you will be something splendid, for you really look quiteglorified, walking under this arch of yellow leaves with the sunshine onyour face, " she exclaimed, conscious of a sudden admiration never feltbefore, for Mac was the plainest of all the cousins. 

"I don't know about that, but I have my dreams and aspirations, andsome of them are pretty high ones. Aim at the best, you know, and keepclimbing if you want to get on, " he said, looking at the asters with aninward sort of smile, as if he and they had some sweet secret betweenthem. 

"You are queerer than ever. But I like your ambition, and hope you willget on. Only mustn't you begin at something soon? I fancied you wouldstudy medicine with Uncle that used to be our plan, you know. "

"I shall, for the present at least, because I quite agree with you thatit is necessary to have an anchor somewhere and not go floating off intothe world of imagination without ballast of the right sort. Uncle andI had some talk about it last night and I'm going to begin as soon aspossible, for I've mooned long enough, " and giving himself a shake, Macthrew 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 ithe is getting into the sentimental age and Aunt Jane has been lecturinghim. Dear me, how we are growing up!"

"You look as if you didn't like the prospect very well, " she saidaloud, for Mac had rammed the volume of Shelley into his pocket and theglorified expression was so entirely gone, Rose fancied she had beenmistaken about the mountaintop behind the mists. 

"Yes, well enough I always thought the profession a grand one, andwhere could I find a better teacher than Uncle? I've got into lazy wayslately, 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 AuntPlenty'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 hada few moments to devote to sentiment, so when Rose came in she held outher arms, saying fondly: "I shall not feel as if I'd got my child backagain until I have her in my lap a minute. No, you're not a bit tooheavy, 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 theyoung one close and appeased the two years' longing of a motherly heartby the caresses women give the creatures dearest to them. Right in themiddle of a kiss, however, she stopped suddenly and, holding out onearm, 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 mylap. I'm so grateful to get my dear girls safely home again that Ihardly know what I'm about, " said Aunt Plenty, embracing Phebe soheartily that she could not feel left out in the cold and stood therewith 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. Iwish 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, youshall dust round a mite, just as you used to, for I haven't had anyoneto do it as I like since you've been gone, and it will do me good to seeall my knickknacks straightened out in your tidy way, " said the elderlady, getting up with a refreshed expression on her rosy old face. 

"Shall I dust in here too?" asked Phebe, glancing toward an inner roomwhich used to be her care. 

"No, dear, I'd rather do that myself. Go in if you like, nothing ischanged. I must go and see to my pudding. " And Aunt Plenty trottedabruptly away with a quiver of emotion in her voice which made even herlast words pathetic. 

Pausing on the threshold as if it was a sacred place, the girls lookedin with eyes soon dimmed by tender tears, for it seemed as if the gentleoccupant was still there. Sunshine shone on the old geraniums by thewindow; the cushioned chair stood in its accustomed place, with thewhite wrapper hung across it and the faded slippers lying ready. Booksand basket, knitting and spectacles, were all just as she had left them, and the beautiful tranquility that always filled the room seemed sonatural, both lookers turned involuntarily toward the bed, where AuntPeace used to greet them with a smile. There was no sweet old face uponthe pillow now, yet the tears that wet the blooming cheeks were not forher who had gone, but for her who was left, because they saw somethingwhich spoke eloquently of the love which outlives death and makes thehumblest things beautiful and sacred. 

A well-worn footstool stood beside the bed, and in the high-piledwhiteness of the empty couch there was a little hollow where a gray headnightly rested while Aunt Plenty said the prayers her mother taught herseventy years ago. 

Without a word, the girls softly shut the door. And while Phebe put theroom in the most exquisite order, Rose retrimmed the plain white cap, where pink and yellow ribbons never rustled now, both feeling honoredby their tasks and better for their knowledge of the faithful love andpiety which sanctified a good old woman's life. 

"You darling creature, I'm so glad to get you back! I know it'sshamefully early, but I really couldn't keep away another minute. Letme help you I'm dying to see all your splendid things. I saw the trunkspass and I know you've quantities of treasures, " cried Annabel Bliss allin one breath as she embraced Rose an hour later and glanced about theroom bestrewn with a variety of agreeable objects. 

"How well you are looking! Sit down and I'll show you my lovelyphotographs. Uncle chose all the best for me, and it's a treat to seethem, " answered Rose, putting a roll on the table and looking about formore. 

"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 seethe last styles, " and Annabel cast a hungry eye toward certain largeboxes delightfully suggestive of French finery. 

"I haven't got any, " said Rose, fondly surveying the fine photographs asshe laid them away. 

"Rose Campbell! You don't mean to say that you didn't get one Parisdress at least?" cried Annabel, scandalized at the bare idea of suchneglect. 

"Not one for myself. Aunt Clara ordered several, and will be charmed toshow them when her box comes. "

"Such a chance! Right there and plenty of money! How could you love youruncle after such cruelty?" sighed Annabel, with a face full of sympathy. 

Rose looked puzzled for a minute, then seemed to understand, and assumeda superior air which became her very well as she said, good-naturedlyopening a box of laces, "Uncle did not forbid my doing it, and I hadmoney 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 keptwhat I valued more than all the gowns Worth every made. "

"What in the world was it?" cried Annabel, hoping she would saydiamonds. 

"Uncle's good opinion, " answered Rose, looking thoughtfully into thedepths of a packing case, where lay the lovely picture that would alwaysremind her of the little triumph over girlish vanity, which not onlykept but increased "Uncle's good opinion. "

"Oh, indeed!" said Annabel blankly, and fell to examining Aunt Plenty'slace while Rose went on with a happy smile in her eyes as she dived intoanother trunk. 

"Uncle thinks one has no right to waste money on such things, but heis very generous and loves to give useful, beautiful, or curious gifts. See, all these pretty ornaments are for presents, and you shall choosefirst 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 herrapture by adding sundry tasteful trifles fresh from Paris. 

"Now tell me, when do you mean to have your coming-out party? I askbecause I've nothing ready and want plenty of time, for I suppose itwill be the event of the season, " asked Annabel a few minutes later asshe 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 tohave some sort of merry-making to celebrate our return. I shall beginas I mean to go on, and have a simple, sociable sort of party and inviteeveryone whom I like, no matter in what 'set' they happen to belong. Noone shall ever say I am aristocratic and exclusive so prepare yourselfto be shocked, for old friends and young, rich and poor, will be askedto all my parties. "

"Oh, my heart! You are going to be odd, just as Mama predicted!" sighedAnnabel, clasping her hands in despair and studying the effect of threebracelets 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 meodd, 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 itnevertheless, so you had better drop me now before I begin, " said Rosewith 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 andkeeping to matters she understood. 

"That white thing over there. It is fresh and pretty, and Phebe has onelike it. I never want to dress more than she does, and gowns of thatsort 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 gesturethat made the little chair creak again, for Miss Bliss was as plump as apartridge. 

"She is one already, and anybody who slights her slights me, for she isthe best girl I know and the dearest, " cried Rose warmly. 

"Yes, of course I was only surprised you are quite right, for she mayturn out to be somebody, and then how glad you'll feel that you were sogood to her!" said Annabel, veering around at once, seeing which way thewind 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 "makea lady of, " looking so like one that Annabel opened her china-blue eyesand smiled involuntarily as Phebe dropped a little curtsey in playfulimitation of her old manner and said quietly: "How do you do, MissBliss?"

"Glad to see you back, Miss Moore, " answered Annabel, shaking hands in away that settled the question of Phebe's place in her mind forever, forthe stout damsel had a kind heart in spite of a weak head and was reallyfond of Rose. It was evidently "Love me, love my Phebe, " so she made upher mind on the spot that Phebe was somebody, and that gave an air ofromance even to the poorhouse. 

She could not help staring a little as she watched the two friends worktogether and listened to their happy talk over each new treasure asit came to light, for every look and word plainly showed that yearsof close companionship had made them very dear to one another. It waspretty to see Rose try to do the hardest part of any little job herselfstill prettier to see Phebe circumvent her and untie the hard knots, fold the stiff papers, or lift the heavy trays with her own stronghands, and prettiest of all to hear her say in a motherly tone, as sheput Rose into an easy chair: "Now, my deary, sit and rest, for youwill have to see company all day, and I can't let you get tired out soearly. "

"That is no reason why I should let you either. Call Jane to help orI'll bob up again directly, " answered Rose, with a very bad assumptionof authority. 

"Jane may take my place downstairs, but no one shall wait on you hereexcept me, as long as I'm with you, " said stately Phebe, stooping to puta hassock under the feet of her little mistress. 

"It is very nice and pretty to see, but I don't know what people willsay when she goes into society with the rest of us. I do hope Rose won'tbe very odd, " said Annabel to herself as she went away to circulatethe depressing news that there was to be no grand ball and, saddestdisappointment of all, that Rose had not a single Paris costume withwhich 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 heis too busy. I wonder what he is about, " thought Rose, turning from thehall door, whither she had courteously accompanied her guest. 

The wish was granted a moment after, for, going into the parlor todecide where some of her pictures should hang, she saw a pair of brownboots at one end of the sofa, a tawny-brown head at the other, anddiscovered that Charlie was busily occupied in doing nothing. 

"The voice of the Bliss was heard in the land, so I dodged till she wentupstairs, and then took a brief siesta while waiting to pay my respectsto the distinguished traveler, Lady Hester Stanhope, " he said, leapingup to make his best bow. 

"The voice of the sluggard would be a more appropriate quotation, Ithink. Does Annabel still pine for you?" asked Rose, recalling certainyouthful jokes upon the subject of unrequited affections. 

"Not a bit of it. Fun has cut me out, and the fair Annabella will beMrs. 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 andmarried to Annabel of all people! She never said a word about him, butthis accounts for her admiring my pretty Chinese things and being sointerested 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 howyou 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 afteryour voyage. "

"I was running a race with Jamie before nine o'clock. What were youdoing, young man?"

"'Sleeping I dreamed, love, dreamed, love, of thee, '" began Charlie, butRose cut him short by saying as reproachfully as she could, while theculprit stood regarding her with placid satisfaction: "You ought to havebeen up and at work like the rest of the boys. I felt like a drone ina hive of very busy bees when I saw them all hurrying off to theirbusiness. "

"But, my dear girl, I've got no business. I'm making up my mind, yousee, and do the ornamental while I'm deciding. There always ought tobe one gentleman in a family, and that seems to be rather my line, "answered Charlie, posing for the character with an assumption of languidelegance which would have been very effective if his twinkling eyes hadnot 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 tothe name of Campbell. 

"Of course, of course. I should have said gentleman of leisure. You seeit 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 jollyas long as possible? I'm sure cheerful people are public benefactors inthis world of woe. "

It was not easy to object to this proposition, especially when made bya comely young man who looked the picture of health and happiness as hesat on the arm of the sofa smiling at his cousin in the most engagingmanner. Rose knew very well that the Epicurean philosophy was not thetrue one to begin life upon, but it was difficult to reason with Charliebecause he always dodged sober subjects and was so full of cheeryspirits, one hated to lessen the sort of sunshine which certainly is apublic benefactor. 

"You have such a clever way of putting things that I don't know how tocontradict you, though I still think I'm right, " she said gravely. "Maclikes to idle as well as you, but he is not going to do it because heknows it's bad for him to fritter away his time. He is going to studya profession like a wise boy, though he would much prefer to live amonghis beloved books or ride his hobbies in peace. "

"That's all very well for him, because he doesn't care for society andmay as well be studying medicine as philandering about the woodswith his pockets full of musty philosophers and old-fashioned poets, "answered Charlie with a shrug which plainly expressed his opinion ofMac. 

"I wonder if musty philosophers, like Socrates and Aristotle, andold-fashioned poets, like Shakespeare and Milton, are not safer companyfor him to keep than some of the more modern friends you have?" saidRose, remembering Jamie's hints about wild oats, for she could be alittle sharp sometimes and had not lectured "the boys" for so long itseemed unusually pleasant. 

But Charlie changed the subject skillfully by exclaiming with an anxiousexpression: "I do believe you are going to be like Aunt Jane, for that'sjust 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 mightydisagreeable one in my humble opinion. "

The fear of being disagreeable is a great bugbear to a girl, as thisartful young man well knew, and Rose fell into the trap at once, forAunt Jane was far from being her model, though she could not helprespecting her worth. 

"Have you given up your painting?" she asked rather abruptly, turning toa gilded Fra Angelico angel which leaned in the sofa corner. 

"Sweetest face I ever saw, and very like you about the eyes, isn'tit?" said Charlie, who seemed to have a Yankee trick of replying to onequestion with another. 

"I want an answer, not a compliment, " and Rose tried to look severe asshe 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 alittle in watercolors, sketch now and then, and poke about the studioswhen the artistic fit comes on. "

"How is the music?"

"More flourishing. I don't practice much, but sing a good deal incompany. Set up a guitar last summer and went troubadouring round ingreat 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 chapsand I take a turn at them semioccasionally when pleasure palls orparents chide. But I doubt if I do more than learn what 'a allybi' isthis year, " and a sly laugh in Charlie's eye suggested that he sometimesavailed himself of this bit of legal knowledge. 

"What do you do then?"

"Fair catechist, I enjoy myself. Private theatricals have been the rageof late, and I have won such laurels that I seriously think of adoptingthe 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 cando anything without it one had better let the stage alone. "

"There's a quencher for the 'star of the goodlie companie' to which Ibelong. Mac hasn't a ray of genius for anything, yet you admire him fortrying 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-ratedoctor than a second-rate actor. But I know you don't mean it, and onlysay so to frighten me. "

"Exactly. I always bring it up when anyone begins to lecture and itworks wonders. Uncle Mac turns pale, the aunts hold up their hands inholy horror, and a general panic ensues. Then I magnanimously promisenot to disgrace the family and in the first burst of gratitude the dearsouls agree to everything I ask, so peace is restored and I go on my wayrejoicing. "

"Just the way you used to threaten to run off to sea if your motherobjected 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 alltrades and master of none'". 

"Boyish nonsense! Time has brought wisdom, and I don't see the sense oftying myself down to one particular thing and grinding away at it yearafter year. People of one idea get so deucedly narrow and tame, I'veno patience with them. Culture is the thing, and the sort one gets byranging over a wide field is the easiest to acquire, the handiest tohave, and the most successful in the end. At any rate, it is the kind Ilike and the only kind I intend to bother myself about. "

With this declaration, Charlie smoothed his brow, clasped his hands overhis head, and, leaning back, gently warbled the chorus of a college songas 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 werenot very successful from a worldly point of view while alive, they wereloved and canonized when dead, " said Rose, who had been turning over apile 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 methe blues, but here's a gentlemanly saint who takes things easy and doesgood as he goes along without howling over his own sins or making otherpeople miserable by telling them of theirs. " And Charlie laid a handsomeSt. Martin beside the brown-frocked monk. 

Rose looked at both and understood why her cousin preferred thesoldierly figure with the sword to the ascetic with his crucifix. Onewas riding bravely through the world in purple and fine linen, withhorse and hound and squires at his back; and the other was in alazar-house, praying over the dead and dying. The contrast was a strongone, and the girl's eyes lingered longest on the knight, though she saidthoughtfully, "Yours is certainly the pleasantest and yet I never heardof any good deed he did, except divide his cloak with a beggar, whileSt. Francis gave himself to charity just when life was most tempting andspent years working for God without reward. He's old and poor, and in adreadful 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-hairedangel in the blue gown if you'll let me have her. She shall be my littleMadonna, 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 yourmother and give them to her with my love. "

So Charlie sat down beside Rose to turn and talk over the pictures fora long and pleasant hour. But when they went away to lunch, if therehad been anyone to observe so small but significant a trifle, good St. Francis lay face downward behind the sofa, while gallant St. Martinstood erect upon the chimneypiece. 

Chapter 3 MISS CAMPBELL

While the travelers unpack their trunks, we will pick up, as briefly aspossible, the dropped stitches in the little romance we are weaving. 

Rose's life had been a very busy and quiet one for the four yearsfollowing the May day when she made her choice. Study, exercise, housework, and many wholesome pleasures kept her a happy, heartycreature, yearly growing in womanly graces, yet always preservingthe innocent freshness girls lose so soon when too early set upon theworld's stage and given a part to play. 

Not a remarkably gifted girl in any way, and far from perfect; full ofall 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 aremorseful charity which gave of its abundance recklessly. Yet, withall her human imperfections, the upright nature of the child kept herdesires climbing toward the just and pure and true, as flowers struggleto the light; and the woman's soul was budding beautifully under thegreen leaves behind the little thorns. 

At seventeen, Dr. Alec pronounced her ready for the voyage around theworld, which he considered a better finishing off than any schoolcould give her. But just then Aunt Peace began to fail and soon slippedquietly away to rejoin the lover she had waited for so long. Youthseemed to come back in a mysterious way to touch the dead face with lostloveliness, and all the romance of her past to gather around her memory. Unlike most aged women, her friends were among the young, and at herfuneral the grayheads gave place to the band of loving girls who madethe sweet old maiden ready for her rest, bore her pall, and covered hergrave with the white flowers she had never worn. 

When this was over poor Aunt Plenty seemed so lost without her lifelongcharge that Dr. Alec would not leave her, and Rose gladly paid the debtshe owed by the tender service which comforts without words. But AuntPlenty, having lived for others all her days, soon rebelled against thiswilling sacrifice, soon found strength in her own sincere piety, solacein cheerful occupation, and amusement in nursing Aunt Myra, who was acapital patient, as she never died and never got well. 

So at last the moment came when, with free minds, the travelers couldset out, and on Rose's eighteenth birthday, with Uncle Alec and thefaithful Phebe, she sailed away to see and study the big, beautifulworld which lies ready for us all if we only know how to use and enjoyit. 

Phebe was set to studying music in the best schools, and while shetrained her lovely voice with happy industry, Rose and her uncle roamedabout in the most delightful way till two years were gone like a dreamand 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 beentrying to learn how to use well. Great plans fermented in her brain, for, though the heart was as generous as ever, time had taught herprudence and observation shown her that the wisest charity is that whichhelps the poor to help themselves. 

Dr. Alec found it a little difficult to restrain the ardor of this youngphilanthropist who wanted to begin at once to endow hospitals, buildhomes, adopt children, and befriend all mankind. 

"Take a little time to look about you and get your bearings, child. Theworld you have been living in is a much simpler, honester one than thatyou are now to enter. Test yourself a bit and see if the old ways seembest after all, for you are old enough to decide, and wise enough todiscover, what is for your truest good, I hope, " he said, trying to feelready to let the bird escape from under his wing and make little flightsalone. 

"Now, Uncle, I'm very much afraid you are going to be disappointed inme, " answered Rose with unusual hesitation yet a very strong desirevisible in her eyes. "You like to have me quite honest, and I've learnedto tell you all my foolish thoughts so I'll speak out, and if you findmy wish very wrong and silly, please say so, for I don't want you tocast me off entirely, though I am grown up. You say, wait a little, testmyself, and try if the old ways are best. I should like to do that, andcan I in a better way than leading the life other girls lead? Just for alittle while, " she added, as her uncle's face grew grave. 

He was disappointed, yet acknowledged that the desire was natural andin a moment saw that a trial of this sort might have its advantages. Nevertheless, he dreaded it, for he had intended to choose her societycarefully and try to keep her unspoiled by the world as long aspossible, like many another fond parent and guardian. But the spirit ofEve is strong in all her daughters forbidden fruit will look rosier tothem than any in their own orchards, and the temptation to take just onelittle bite proves irresistible to the wisest. So Rose, looking out fromthe safe seclusion of her girlhood into the woman's kingdom which shewas about to take possession of, felt a sudden wish to try its pleasuresbefore assuming its responsibilities, and was too sincere to hide thelonging. 

"Very well, my dear, try it if you like, only take care of your healthbe temperate in your gaiety and don't lose more than you gain, if thatis possible, " he added under his breath, endeavoring to speak cheerfullyand not look anxious. 

"I know it is foolish, but I do want to be a regular butterfly for alittle while and see what it is like. You know I couldn't help seeing agood deal of fashionable life abroad, though we were not in it, and hereat home the girls tell me about all sorts of pleasant things that are tohappen this winter, so if you won't despise me very much, I should liketo try it. "

"For how long?"

"Would three months be too long? New Year is a good time to take a freshstart. Everyone is going to welcome me, so I must be gay in spite ofmyself, unless I'm willing to seem very ungrateful and morose, " saidRose, 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 pledgeof some sort, and meant to keep it. 

It was a great relief to the public mind when it became known that MissCampbell was really coming out at last, and invitations to Aunt Plenty'sparty were promptly accepted. Aunt Clara was much disappointed about thegrand ball she had planned, but Rose stood firm, and the dear old ladyhad her way about everything. 

The consequence was a delightfully informal gathering of friends towelcome the travelers home. Just a good, old-fashioned, hospitablehousewarming, so simple, cordial, and genuine that those who came tocriticize remained to enjoy, and many owned the charm they could neitherdescribe nor imitate. 

Much curiosity was felt about Phebe, and much gossip went on behind fansthat evening, for those who had known her years ago found it hard torecognize the little housemaid in the handsome young woman who boreherself with such quiet dignity and charmed them all with her finevoice. "Cinderella has turned out a princess, " was the general verdict, and Rose enjoyed the little sensation immensely, for she had had manybattles to fight for her Phebe since she came among them, and now herfaith was vindicated. 

Miss Campbell herself was in great demand and did the honors so prettilythat even Miss Bliss forgave her for her sad neglect of Worth, thoughshe shook her head over the white gowns, just alike except that Phebewore crimson and Rose, blue trimmings. 

The girls swarmed eagerly around their recovered friend, for Rose hadbeen a favorite before she went away and found her throne waiting forher now. The young men privately pronounced Phebe the handsomest "Butthen you know there's neither family nor money, so it's no use. " Phebe, therefore, was admired as one of the ornamental properties belonging tothe 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 therooms 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 andthat her first sip of pleasure rather went to her head, for everybodywelcomed and smiled on her, flattered and praised, whispered agreeableprophecies in her ear, and looked the compliments and congratulationsthey dared not utter till she felt as if she must have left her old selfsomewhere 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 threemonths of it when the first are gone, " she whispered to Dr. Alec as hestood watching the dance she was leading with Charlie in the long hallafter supper. 

"Steady, my lass, steady, and remember that you are not really abutterfly but a mortal girl with a head that will ache tomorrow, " heanswered, watching the flushed and smiling face before him. "I almostwish there wasn't any tomorrow, but that tonight would last forever itis so pleasant, and everyone so kind, " she said with a little sigh ofhappiness as she gathered up her fleecy skirts like a white bird plumingitself for flight. 

"I'll ask your opinion about that at two A. M. , " began her uncle with awarning nod. 

"I'll give it honestly, " was all Rose had time to say before Charlieswept her away into the particolored cloud before them. 

"It's no use, Alec train a girl as wisely as you choose, she will breakloose when the time comes and go in for pleasure as eagerly as the mostfrivolous, for ''tis their nature to, '" said Uncle Mac, keeping timeto the music as if he would not mind "going in" for a bit of pleasurehimself. 

"My girl shall taste and try, but unless I'm much mistaken, a littlebit 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 lookin his eyes. 

"She will come out all right bless her heart! so let her sow herinnocent 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 getthrough as safely as she will, " added Uncle Mac with a shake of the headas 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, thoughMac is an odd stick and Steve a puppy. I don't complain, for both willoutgrow that sort of thing and are good fellows at heart, thanks totheir mother. But Clara's boy is in a bad way, and she will spoil him asa 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 headand so she insisted on keeping Charlie a year longer when his fatherordered 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 findhe has been too easy with him all these years. Poor fellow, it has beenhard lines for him, and is likely to be harder, I fancy, unless he comeshome and straightens things out. "

"He won't do that if he can help it. He has lost all his energy livingin that climate and hates worry more than ever, so you can imagine whatan effort it would be to manage a foolish woman and a headstrong boy. Wemust 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 aspossible. "

"My dear fellow, he is only three and twenty, " began the doctor, asif the idea was preposterous. Then a sudden change came over him ashe added with a melancholy smile, "I forget how much one can hope andsuffer, even at twenty-three. "

"And be all the better for, if bravely outlived, " said Uncle Mac, withhis hand on his brother's shoulder and the sincerest approval inhis voice. Then, kindly returning to the younger people, he went oninquiringly, "You don't incline to Clara's view of a certain matter, Ifancy?"

"Decidedly not. My girl must have the best, and Clara's training wouldspoil 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 thoroughlyexcellent lad. "

The brothers had retired to the study by this time and were alone, yetDr. Alec lowered his voice as he said with a tender sort of anxietypleasant to see: "You know I do not approve of cousins marrying, so I'min a quandary, Mac, for I love the child as if she were my own and feelas if I could not give her up to any man whom I did not know and trustentirely. It is of no use for us to plan, for she must choose forherself yet I do wish we could keep her among us and give one of ourboys a wife worth having. "

"We must, so never mind your theories but devote yourself to testing ourelder 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 begently shaping matters for them, since no one knows how soon the momentmay come. My faith it is like living in a powder mill to be among a lotof young folks nowadays! All looks as calm as possible till a suddenspark produces an explosion, and heaven only knows where we findourselves after it is over. "

And Uncle Mac sat himself comfortably down to settle Rose's fate whilethe doctor paced the room, plucking at his beard and knitting his browsas if he found it hard to see his way. 

"Yes, Archie is a good fellow, " he said, answering the question he hadignored before. "An upright, steady, intelligent lad who will make anexcellent husband if he ever finds out that he has a heart. I supposeI'm an old fool, but I do like a little more romance in a young man thanhe seems to have more warmth and enthusiasm, you know. Bless the boy! Hemight 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 ifI had any heart to offer a woman. "

The doctor looked rather shamefaced as he spoke, and his brotherburst out laughing. "See here, Alec, it's a pity so much romance andexcellence as yours should be lost, so why don't you set these youngfellows an example and go a-wooing yourself? Jessie has been wonderinghow you have managed to keep from falling in love with Phebe all thistime, and Clara is quite sure that you waited only till she was safeunder Aunt Plenty's wing to offer yourself in the good old-fashionedstyle. "

"I!" And the doctor stood aghast at the mere idea, then he gave aresigned sort of sigh and added like a martyr, "If those dear womenwould let me alone, I'd thank them forever. Put the idea out of theirminds for heaven's sake, Mac, or I shall be having that poor girl flungat my head and her comfort destroyed. She is a fine creature and I'mproud of her, but she deserves a better lot than to be tied to an oldfellow like me whose only merit is his fidelity. "

"As you please, I was only joking, " and Uncle Mac dropped the subjectwith secret relief. The excellent man thought a good deal of family andhad been rather worried at the hints of the ladies. After a moment'ssilence he returned to a former topic, which was rather a pet plan ofhis. "I don't think you do Archie justice, Alec. You don't know him aswell 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, anddon'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 businesslikeway of disposing of the young people. 

"She'll do anything to please you, " began Uncle Mac in perfect goodfaith, for twenty-five years in the society of a very prosaic wife hadtaken nearly all the romance out of him. 

"It is of no use for us to plan, and I shall never interfere except toadvise, and if I were to choose one of the boys, I should incline to mygodson, " 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 beenfond of the boy because he's so genuine and original. Crude as a greenapple now, but sound at the core, and only needs time to ripen. I'm surehe'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 matefor our Rose. She needs someone who can manage her property when we aregone, and Archie is the man for that, depend upon it. "

"Confound the property!" cried Dr. Alec impetuously. "I want her tobe happy, and I don't care how soon she gets rid of her money if it isgoing to be a millstone round her neck. I declare to you, I dreaded thethought of this time so much that I've kept her away as long as I couldand 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 seeby tonight's 'success' as Clara calls it. Thank heaven I haven't manydaughters to look after!"

"Come, come, don't be anxious take Archie and settle it right up safelyand happily. That's my advice, and you'll find it sound, " replied theelder 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 isbefore 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'sLodge and those the mystic signs?" asked a gay voice at the door; andthere stood Rose, full of smiling wonder at the sight of her two uncleshand in hand, whispering and nodding to one another mysteriously. 

They stared like schoolboys caught plotting mischief and looked soguilty that she took pity on them, innocently imagining the brotherswere indulging in a little sentiment on this joyful occasion, so sheadded quickly, as she beckoned, without crossing the threshold, "Womennot allowed, of course, but both of you dear Odd Fellows are wanted, forAunt Plenty begs we will have an old-fashioned contra dance, and I'm tolead 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 totake care of her. "

"Thank you, thank you!" cried both gentlemen, following with greatalacrity. 

Unconscious, Rose enjoyed that Virginia reel immensely, for thepigeon wings were superb, and her partner conducted her through theconvolutions of the dance without a fault, going down the middle in hismost gallant style. Landing safely at the bottom, she stood aside to lethim get his breath, for stout Uncle Mac was bound to do or die on thatoccasion and would have danced his pumps through without a murmur if shehad desired it. 

Leaning against the wall with his hair in his eyes, and a decidedlybored expression of countenance, was Mac, Jr. , who had been surveyingthe gymnastics of his parent with respectful astonishment. 

"Come and take a turn, my lad. Rose is fresh as a daisy, but we oldfellows soon get enough of it, so you shall have my place, " said hisfather, wiping his face, which glowed like a cheerful peony. 

"No, thank you, sir I can't stand that sort of thing. I'll race youround the piazza with pleasure, Cousin, but his oven is too much forme, " was Mac's uncivil reply as he backed toward the open window, as ifglad of an excuse to escape. 

"Fragile creature, don't stay on my account, I beg. I can't leave myguests for a moonlight run, even if I dared to take it on a frosty nightin a thin dress, " said Rose, fanning herself and not a bit ruffled byMac'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 yousuppose lungs are made of?" demanded Mac, ready for a discussion thenand there. 

"I used to know, but I've forgotten now. Been so busy with other thingsthat 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 ofthis sort of thing, Rose?" he asked with a disapproving glance at thedancers. 

"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 getsto be quite a bear. Since you have been gone he has lived in his booksand got on so finely that we have let him alone, though his mothergroans over his manners. Polish him up a bit, I beg of you, for it ishigh time he mended his odd ways and did justice to the fine gifts hehides behind them, " said Uncle Mac, scandalized at the bluntness of hisson. 

"I know my chestnut burr too well to mind his prickles. But others donot, 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 whogets him gets a prize, I do assure you, " added Uncle Mac, who foundmatchmaking 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 lastcarriage rolled away somewhere between one and two. 

"What is your opinion now, Miss Campbell?" asked the doctor, addressingher for the first time by the name which had been uttered so often thatnight. 

"My opinion is that Miss Campbell is likely to have a gay life if shegoes 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 ofwhat the world calls pleasure. 

Chapter 4 THORNS AMONG THE ROSES

For a time everything went smoothly, and Rose was a happy girl. Theworld seemed a beautiful and friendly place, and fulfillment of herbrightest dreams appeared to be a possibility. Of course this could notlast, and disappointment was inevitable, because young eyes look for aParadise and weep when they find a workaday world which seems full ofcare and trouble till one learns to gladden and glorify it with highthoughts and holy living. 

Those who loved her waited anxiously for the disillusion which must comein spite of all their cherishing, for till now Rose had been so busywith her studies, travels, and home duties that she knew very littleof the triumphs, trials, and temptations of fashionable life. Birth andfortune placed her where she could not well escape some of them, and Dr. Alec, knowing that experience is the best teacher, wisely left her tolearn this lesson as she must many another, devoutly hoping that itwould not be a hard one. 

October and November passed rapidly, and Christmas was at hand, with allits merry mysteries, home gatherings, and good wishes. 

Rose sat in her own little sanctum, opening from the parlor, busilypreparing gifts for the dear five hundred friends who seemed to growfonder and fonder as the holidays drew near. The drawers of her commodestood open, giving glimpses of dainty trifles, which she was tying upwith bright ribbons. 

A young girl's face at such moments is apt to be a happy one, but Rose'swas very grave as she worked, and now and then she threw a parcel intothe 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 inand brought an anxious look to his eyes, for any cloud on that othercountenance dropped its shadow over his. 

"Can you spare a minute from your pretty work to take a stitch in my oldglove?" he asked, coming up to the table strewn with ribbon, lace, andcolored papers. 

"Yes, Uncle, as many as you please. "

The face brightened with sudden sunshine; both hands were put outto receive the shabby driving glove, and the voice was full of thataffectionate alacrity which makes the smallest service sweet. 

"My Lady Bountiful is hard at work, I see. Can I help in any way?" heasked, glancing at the display before him. 

"No, thank you, unless you can make me as full of interest and pleasurein these things as I used to be. Don't you think preparing presents agreat bore, except for those you love and who love you?" she added in atone 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, especiallyat Christmas, when goodwill should go into everything one does. If allthese 'pretties' are for dear friends, you must have a great many. "

"I thought they were friends, but I find many of them are not, andthat's the trouble, sir. "

"Tell me all about it, dear, and let the old glove go, " he said, sittingdown beside her with his most sympathetic air. 

But she held the glove fast, saying eagerly, "No, no, I love to dothis! 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 getthem, for sometimes lately I've seen a cloud in my girl's eyes andcaught a worried tone in her voice. Is there a bitter drop in the cupthat promised to be so sweet, Rose?"

"Yes, Uncle. I've tried to think there was not, but it is there, and Idon't like it. I'm ashamed to tell, and yet I want to, because you willshow me how to make it sweet or assure me that I shall be the better forit, as you used to do when I took medicine. "

She paused a minute, sewing swiftly; then out came the trouble all inone 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 wasso 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 notgold, and the disillusion has begun, " said the doctor to himself, addingaloud, smiling yet pitiful, "And so all the pleasure is gone out of thepretty gifts and Christmas is a failure?"

"Oh, no not for those whom nothing can make me doubt! It is sweeter thanever to make these things, because my heart is in every stitch and Iknow that, poor as they are, they will be dear to you, Aunty Plen, AuntJessie, Phebe, and the boys. "

She opened a drawer where lay a pile of pretty gifts, wrought withloving care by her own hands, touching them tenderly as she spoke andpatting the sailor's knot of blue ribbon on one fat parcel with a smilethat told how unshakable her faith in someone was. "But these, " shesaid, pulling open another drawer and tossing over its gay contents withan air half sad, half scornful, "these I bought and give because theyare expected. These people care only for a rich gift, not one bit forthe giver, whom they will secretly abuse if she is not as generous asthey expect. How can I enjoy that sort of thing, Uncle?"

"You cannot, but perhaps you do some of them injustice, my dear. Don'tlet the envy or selfishness of a few poison your faith in all. Are yousure that none of these girls care for you?" he asked, reading a namehere and there on the parcels scattered about. 

"I'm afraid I am. You see I heard several talking together the otherevening at Annabel's, only a few words, but it hurt me very much, fornearly everyone was speculating on what I would give them and hoping itwould be something fine. 'She's so rich she ought to be generous, ' saidone. 'I've been perfectly devoted to her for weeks and hope she won'tforget it, ' said another. 'If she doesn't give me some of her gloves, Ishall think she's very mean, for she has heaps, and I tried on a pair infun so she could see they fitted and take a hint, ' added a third. I didtake the hint, you see. " And Rose opened a handsome box in which layseveral pairs of her best gloves, with buttons enough to satisfy theheart of the most covetous. 

"Plenty of silver paper and perfume, but not much love went into thatbundle, I fancy?" And Dr. Alec could not help smiling at the disdainfullittle gesture with which Rose pushed away the box. 

"Not a particle, nor in most of these. I have given them what theywanted 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 goodwilland 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 tofind the wheat among the tares, for there is plenty if one knows how tolook. Is that all the trouble?"

"No, sir, that is the lightest part of it. I shall soon get over mydisappointment in those girls and take them for what they are worth asyou 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 myselfand be happy. I do detest maneuvering and underhanded plots and plans!"

Rose spoke petulantly and twitched her silk till it broke, while regretseemed to give place to anger as she spoke. 

"There is evidently another thorn pricking. Let us have it out, andthen I'll kiss the place to make it well as I used to do when I took thesplinters from the fingers you are pricking so unmercifully, " said thedoctor, anxious to relieve his pet patient as soon as possible. 

Rose laughed, but the color deepened in her cheeks as she answered witha pretty mixture of maidenly shyness and natural candor. 

"Aunt Clara worries me by warning me against half the young men I meetand insisting that they want only my money. Now that is dreadful, andI won't listen, but I can't help thinking of it sometimes, for theyare very kind to me and I'm not vain enough to think it is my beauty. Isuppose I am foolish, but I do like to feel that I am something besidesan heiress. "

The little quiver was in Rose's voice again as she ended, and Dr. Alecgave a quick sigh as he looked at the downcast face so full of theperplexity ingenuous spirits feel when doubt first mars their faithand dims the innocent beliefs still left from childhood. He had beenexpecting this and knew that what the girl just began to perceive andtry modestly to tell had long ago been plain to worldlier eyes. Theheiress was the attraction to most of the young men whom she met. Goodfellows enough, but educated, as nearly all are nowadays, to believethat girls with beauty or money are brought to market to sell or buy asthe 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 theprize. Not being trained to believe that the only end and aim of awoman's life was a good match, she was a little disturbed, when thefirst pleasing excitement was over, to discover that her fortune was herchief attraction. 

It was impossible for her to help seeing, hearing, guessing this from asignificant glance, a stray word, a slight hint here and there, andthe quick instinct of a woman felt even before it understood theself-interest which chilled for her so many opening friendships. In hereyes love was a very sacred thing, hardly to be thought of till it came, reverently received and cherished faithfully to the end. Therefore, itis not strange that she shrank from hearing it flippantly discussed andmarriage treated as a bargain to be haggled over, with little thoughtof its high duties, great responsibilities, and tender joys. Manythings perplexed her, and sometimes a doubt of all that till now she hadbelieved 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 itbewildered while it charmed the novice. 

Dr. Alec understood the mood in which he found her and did his best towarn without saddening by too much worldly wisdom. 

"You are something besides an heiress to those who know and love you, sotake heart, my girl, and hold fast to the faith that is in you. Thereis 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 Iam sure conscience, instinct, and experience will keep you from any diremistake, " he said, with a protecting arm about her and a trustful lookthat was very comforting. 

After a moment's pause she answered, while a sudden smile dimpled aroundher 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 Ilike or respect men who go on as some of them do and then imagine womencan 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 delicatedistresses, do we?" said Dr. Alec, glad to see her brightening and fullof interest in the new topic, for he was a romantic old fellow, as hehad confessed to his brother. 

Rose put down the glove and looked up with a droll mixture of amusementand disgust in her face. "Uncle, it is perfectly disgraceful! I'vewanted to tell you, but I was ashamed, because I never could boast ofsuch things as some girls do, and they were so absurd I couldn't feel asif 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 ofcourse 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 thebest advice, like a model guardian? You must have a confidant, and wherefind a better one than here?" he asked, tapping his waistcoat with aninviting gesture. 

"Nowhere so I'll tell all but the names. I'd best be prudent, for I'mafraid you may get a little fierce you do sometimes when people vexme, " began Rose, rather liking the prospect of a confidential chat withUncle, 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 havemen propose at all times and places with no warning but a few smiles andsoft speeches. I expected things of that sort would be very interestingand proper, not to say thrilling, on my part but they are not, and Ifind myself laughing instead of crying, feeling angry instead of glad, and forgetting all about it very soon. Why, Uncle, one absurd boyproposed when we'd met only half a dozen times. But he was dreadfully indebt, so that accounted for it perhaps. " And Rose dusted her fingers, asif she had soiled them. 

"I know him, and I thought he'd do it, " observed the doctor with ashrug. 

"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 andpoured forth his passion manfully, with a great cactus pricking his poorlegs all the while. Kitty found him there, and it was impossible to keepsober, so he has hated me ever since. "

The doctor's "Ha! Ha!" was good to hear, and Rose joined him, for it wasimpossible to regard these episodes seriously, since no true sentimentredeemed them from absurdity. 

"Another sent me reams of poetry and went on so Byronically that Ibegan to wish I had red hair and my name was Betsy Ann. I burnt all theverses, so don't expect to see them, and he, poor fellow, is consolinghimself with Emma. But the worst of all was the one who would make lovein public and insisted on proposing in the middle of a dance. I seldomdance round dances except with our boys, but that night I did becausethe girls laughed at me for being so 'prudish, ' as they called it. Idon't mind them now, for I found I was right, and felt that I deservedmy 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 earnestand really suffered, though I was as kind as I knew how to be. I'm youngin these things yet, so I grieved for him, and treat his love with thetenderest respect. "

Rose's voice sank almost to a whisper as she ended, and Dr. Alec benthis head, as if involuntarily saluting a comrade in misfortune. Thenhe got up, saying with a keen look into the face he lifted by a fingerunder 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 yousee 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 aquick 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 jumpèd 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 devotedready to execute any commissions you may have for him, " was Charlie'sgreeting as he came in looking comely, gay, and debonair as usual. 

"Thanks. I've no errands unless you mail my replies, if these needanswering, so by your leave, Prince, " and Rose began to open the handfulof notes he threw into her lap. 

"Ha! What sight is this to blast mine eyes?" ejaculated Charlie, ashe pointed to the glove with a melodramatic start, for, like mostaccomplished amateur actors, he was fond of introducing privatetheatricals into his daily talk and conversation. 

"Uncle left it. "

"'Tis well. Methought perchance a rival had been here, " and, pickingit up, Charlie amused himself with putting it on the head of a littlePsyche 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 herconversation with her uncle as well as something else suggested by thenewcomer and his ditty. 

During the three months since her return she had seen more of thiscousin than any of the others, for he seemed to be the only one who hadleisure to "play with Rose, " as they used to say years ago. The otherboys were all at work, even little Jamie, many of whose play hours weredevoted to manful struggles with Latin grammar, the evil genius ofhis boyish life. Dr. Alec had many affairs to arrange after his longabsence; Phebe was busy with her music; and Aunt Plenty still activelysuperintended her housekeeping. Thus it fell out, quite naturally, thatCharlie should form the habit of lounging in at all hours with letters, messages, bits of news, and agreeable plans for Rose. He helped her withher sketching, rode with her, sang with her, and took her to partiesas 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 wishCharlie would find something to do like the rest and not make dawdlingafter her the business of his life. The family was used to hisself-indulgent ways, and there was an amiable delusion in the minds ofthe boys that he had a right to the best of everything, for to themhe was still the Prince, the flower of the flock, and in time to be anhonor 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 toshake 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 somemanful purpose which should win for him respect as well as admiration. But she found it very hard, for though he listened with imperturbablegood humor, and owned his shortcomings with delightful frankness, healways had some argument, reason, or excuse to offer and out-talked herin five minutes, leaving her silenced but unconvinced. 

Of late she had observed that he seemed to feel as if her time andthoughts belonged exclusively to him and rather resented the approachof any other claimant. This annoyed her and suggested the idea thather affectionate interest and efforts were misunderstood by him, misrepresented and taken advantage of by Aunt Clara, who had been mosturgent that she should "use her influence with the dear boy, " though thefond mother resented all other interference. This troubled Rose and madeher feel as if caught in a snare, for, while she owned to herself thatCharlie was the most attractive of her cousins, she was not ready to betaken possession of in this masterful way, especially since other andsometimes better men sought her favor more humbly. 

These thoughts were floating vaguely in her mind as she read her lettersand unconsciously influenced her in the chat that followed. 

"Only invitations, and I can't stop to answer them now or I shall neverget through this job, " she said, returning to her work. 

"Let me help. You do up, and I'll direct. Have a secretary, do now, andsee what a comfort it will be, " proposed Charlie, who could turn hishand 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 youwill. Just regrets to all but two or three. Read the names as you goalong and I'll tell you which. "

"To hear is to obey. Who says I'm a 'frivolous idler' now?" And Charliesat down at the writing table with alacrity, for these hours in thelittle room were his best and happiest. 

"Order is heaven's first law, and the view a lovely one, but I don't seeany notepaper, " he added, opening the desk and surveying its contentswith interest. 

"Right-hand drawer violet monogram for the notes, plain paper for thebusiness letter. I'll see to that, though, " answered Rose, trying todecide whether Annabel or Emma should have the laced handkerchief. 

"Confiding creature! Suppose I open the wrong drawer and come upon thetender secrets of your soul?" continued the new secretary, rummaging outthe delicate notepaper with masculine disregard of order. 

"I haven't got any, " answered Rose demurely. 

"What, not one despairing scrawl, one cherished miniature, one fadedfloweret, etc. , etc. ? I can't believe it, Cousin, " and he shook his headincredulously. 

"If I had, I certainly should not show them to you, impertinentperson! There are a few little souvenirs in that desk, but nothing verysentimental or interesting. "

"How I'd like to see 'em! But I should never dare to ask, " observedCharlie, peering over the top of the half-open lid with a mostpersuasive pair of eyes. 

"You may if you want to, but you'll be disappointed, Paul Pry. Lowerleft-hand drawer with the key in it. "

"'Angel of goodness, how shall I requite thee? Interesting moment, withwhat palpitating emotions art thou fraught!'" And, quoting from the"Mysteries of Udolpho, " he unlocked and opened the drawer with a tragicgesture. 

"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 theythatched. "

"Yes, you all gave me one when I went away, you know, and I carried themround the world with me in that very box. "

"I wish the heads had gone too. Here's a jolly little amber god witha 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 anda 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 myvisit pleasant. I wish you'd go and see him like a dutiful son, insteadof idling here. "

"That's what Uncle Mac is eternally telling me, but I don't intend tobe lectured into the treadmill till I've had my fling first, " mutteredCharlie rebelliously. 

"If you fling yourself in the wrong direction, you may find it hard toget 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 shouldlike to see him, for it's almost four years since he came home last andhe 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 camemore readily to his lips, since the elder man in truth seemed a governorissuing requests or commands, which the younger too often neglected orresented. 

Long ago Rose had discovered that Uncle Stephen found home made sodistasteful by his wife's devotion to society that he preferred to exilehimself, taking business as an excuse for his protracted absences. 

The girl was thinking of this as she watched her cousin turn the ringabout with a sudden sobriety which became him well; and, believing thatthe moment was propitious, she said earnestly: "He is getting on. DearCharlie, do think of duty more than pleasure in this case and I'm sureyou 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 beworrying about right and wrong! Uncle Alec taught you that along withthe rest of his queer notions. "

"I'm glad he did!" cried Rose warmly, then checked herself and said witha patient sort of sigh, "You know women always want the men they carefor 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 strongconviction that, if we were, the dear souls wouldn't like us half aswell. Would they now?" asked Charlie with an insinuating smile. 

"Perhaps not, but that is dodging the point. Will you go?" persistedRose 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 onexploring the drawer with more energy than interest. 

"Why, here's an old thing I gave you ages ago!" he suddenly exclaimed ina 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 offlesh?" he asked, half in earnest, half in jest, touched by the littletrinket and the recollections it awakened. 

"No, I will not, " answered Rose bluntly, much displeased by theirreverent and audacious question. 

Charlie looked rather abashed for a moment, but his naturallightheartedness made it easy for him to get the better of his ownbrief fits of waywardness and put others in good humor with him andthemselves. 

"Now we are even let's drop the subject and start afresh, " he said withirresistible affability as he coolly put the little heart in his pocketand prepared to shut the drawer. But something caught his eye, andexclaiming, "What's this? What's this?" he snatched up a photographwhich 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 countenancebefore him with a frown. 

"That is the Honorable Gilbert Murray, who went up the Nile with us andshot crocodiles and other small game, being a mighty hunter, as I toldyou in my letters, " answered Rose gaily, though ill pleased at thelittle discovery just then, for this had been one of the narrow escapesher uncle spoke of. 

"And they haven't eaten him yet, I infer from the pile of letters?" saidCharlie jealously. 

"I hope not. His sister did not mention it when she wrote last. "

"Ah! Then she is your correspondent? Sisters are dangerous thingssometimes. " And Charlie eyed the packet suspiciously. 

"In this case, a very convenient thing, for she tells me all about herbrother'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 fanciedI'd found out why you are such a hard-hearted charmer. But if there isno secret idol, I'm all at sea again. " And Charlie tossed the photographinto the drawer as if it no longer interested him. 

"I'm hard-hearted because I'm particular and, as yet, do not find anyoneat all to my taste. "

"No one?" with a tender glance. 

"No one" with a rebellious blush, and the truthful addition "I seemuch to admire and like in many persons, but none quite strong and goodenough to suit me. My heroes are old-fashioned, you know. "

"Prigs, like Guy Carleton, Count Altenberg, and John Halifax I know thepattern you goody girls like, " sneered Charlie, who preferred the GuyLivingston, Beauclerc, and Rochester style. 

"Then I'm not a 'goody girl, ' for I don't like prigs. I want a gentlemanin the best sense of the word, and I can wait, for I've seen one, andknow 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 asanxious. 

"Some apostolic minister, I fancy. You pious creatures always like toadore 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 thesame. So, when you find a young saint of that sort, you intend to marryhim, do you?" demanded Charlie much amused and rather disappointed. 

"When I find any man half as honest, good, and noble as Uncle, I shallbe proud to marry him if he asks me, " answered Rose decidedly. 

"What odd tastes women have!" And Charlie leaned his chin on his handto muse pensively for a moment over the blindness of one woman who couldadmire an excellent old uncle more than a dashing young cousin. 

Rose, meanwhile, tied up her parcels industriously, hoping she had notbeen too severe, for it was very hard to lecture Charlie, though heseemed to like it sometimes and came to confession voluntarily, knowingthat women love to forgive when the sinners are of his sort. 

"It will be mail time before you are done, " she said presently, forsilence 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 apuzzled expression: "What is all this? Cost of repairs, etc. , from a mannamed 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 youthink 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 beingrepaired and altered so that the rooms can be let singly. "

"Going to make tenement houses of them? Well, that's not a bad idea suchplaces pay well, I've heard. "

"That is just what I'm not going to do. I wouldn't have a tenement houseon my conscience for a million dollars not as they are now, " said Rosedecidedly. 

"Why, what do you know about it, except that people live in them and theowners turn a pretty penny on the rents?"

"I know a good deal about them, for I've seen many such, both hereand abroad. It was not all pleasure with us, I assure you. Uncle wasinterested in hospitals and prisons, and I sometimes went with him, butthey made me sad so he suggested other charities that I could be ofhelp about when we came home. I visited infant schools, working women'shomes, orphan asylums, and places of that sort. You don't know how muchgood it did me and how glad I am that I have the means of lightening alittle some of the misery in the world. "

"But, my dear girl, you needn't make ducks and drakes of your fortunetrying 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 itbetter than I. But don't, for mercy's sake, go at it as some women doand get so desperately earnest, practical, and charity-mad that there isno living in peace with you, " protested Charlie, looking alarmed at theprospect. 

"You can do as you please. I intend to do all the good I can by askingthe advice and following the example of the most 'earnest, ' 'practical, 'and 'charitable' people I know so, if you don't approve, you can dropmy acquaintance, " answered Rose, emphasizing the obnoxious words andassuming 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 thenwhere are you?" added Charlie, thinking that might daunt the youngphilanthropist. 

But it did not, for Rose answered, with a sudden kindling of the eyes asshe remembered her talk with Uncle Alec: "I shouldn't like it. But therewould be one satisfaction in it, for when I'd lost my beauty and givenaway 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 inthe old houses which their amiable owner is repairing?"

"I am merely going to make them comfortable homes for poor butrespectable women to live in. There is a class who cannot afford topay much, yet suffer a great deal from being obliged to stay in noisy, dirty, crowded places like tenement houses and cheap lodgings. I canhelp a few of them and I'm going to try. "

"May I humbly ask if these decayed gentlewomen are to inhabit theirpalatial retreat rent-free?"

"That was my first plan, but Uncle showed me that it was wiser notmake genteel paupers of them, but let them pay a small rent and feelindependent. I don't want the money, of course, and shall use it inkeeping 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 witha lot of forlornities on your hands, and be sure that when it is toolate 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 hislast shot rather recklessly: "Well, one thing I do know you'll never geta husband if you go on in this absurd way, and by Jove! you need one totake 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 peculiarlyunfortunate, because Aunt Clara had used them more than once whenwarning her against impecunious suitors and generous projects. She wasdisappointed in her cousin, annoyed at having her little plans laughedat, and indignant with him for his final suggestion. 

"I'll never have one, if I must give up the liberty of doing what I knowis right, and I'd rather go into the poorhouse tomorrow than 'keep theproperty together' in the selfish way you mean!"

That was all but Charlie saw that he had gone too far and hastened tomake his peace with the skill of a lover, for, turning to the littlecabinet 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 "Myplaid 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 troubadouringin vain, for Orpheus himself could not have restored harmony moresuccessfully. The tuneful apology was accepted with a forgiving smileand a frank "I'm sorry I was cross, but you haven't forgotten how totease, and I'm rather out of sorts today. Late hours don't agree withme. "

"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 wasvery flattering. 

"I must go, because it is made for me, but I can come away early andmake up lost sleep. I do hate to be so fractious, " and Rose rubbed theforehead that ached with too much racketing. 

"But the German does not begin till late I'm to lead and depend uponyou. Just stay this once to oblige me, " pleaded Charlie, for he had sethis heart on distinguishing himself. 

"No I promised Uncle to be temperate in my pleasures and I must keep myword. I'm so well now, it would be very foolish to get ill and make himanxious not to mention losing my beauty, as you are good enough to callit, for that depends on health, you know. "

"But the fun doesn't begin till after supper. Everything will bedelightful, I assure you, and we'll have a gay old time as we did lastweek at Emma's. "

"Then I certainly will not, for I'm ashamed of myself when I rememberwhat a romp that was and how sober Uncle looked as he let me in at threein the morning, all fagged out my dress in rags, my head aching, my feetso tired that I could hardly stand, and nothing to show for fivehours' hard work but a pocketful of bonbons, artificial flowers, andtissue-paper fool's caps. Uncle said I'd better put one on and go tobed, for I looked as though I'd been to a French bal masque. I neverwant to hear him say so again, and I'll never let dawn catch me out insuch a plight anymore. "

"You were all right enough, for mother didn't object and I got youboth home before daylight. Uncle is notional about such things, so Ishouldn't mind, for we had a jolly time and we were none the worse forit. "

"Indeed we were, every one of us! Aunt Clara hasn't gotten over her coldyet. I slept all the next day, and you looked like a ghost, for you'dbeen out every night for weeks, I think. "

"Oh, nonsense! Everyone does it during the season, and you'll get usedto the pace very soon, " began Charlie, bent on making her go, for hewas in his element in a ballroom and never happier than when he had hispretty cousin on his arm. 

"Ah! But I don't want to get used to it, for it costs too much in theend. I don't wish to get used to being whisked about a hot room by menwho have taken too much wine, to turn day into night, wasting time thatmight be better spent, and grow into a fashionable fast girl who can'tget 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 Iknow is hurtful, and please don't laugh me out of the good habits Unclehas 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 theboy had fostered the habit of self-indulgence, which was ruining theman. So when Rose looked up at him, with a very honest desire to savehim as well as herself from being swept into the giddy vortex whichkeeps so many young people revolving aimlessly, till they go down orare cast upon the shore, wrecks of what they might have been, he gave ashrug and answered briefly: "As you please. I'll bring you home as earlyas you like, and Effie Waring shall take your place in the German. Whatflowers shall I send you?"

Now, that was an artful speech of Charlie's, for Miss Waring was a fastand fashionable damsel who openly admired Prince Charming and had givenhim the name. Rose disliked her and was sure her influence was bad, foryouth made frivolity forgivable, wit hid want of refinement, and beautyalways covers a multitude of sins in a man's eyes. At the sound ofEffie's name, Rose wavered, and would have yielded but for the memoryof the "first mate's" last words. She did desire to "keep a straightcourse"; so, though the current of impulse set strongly in a southerlydirection, 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 ofslippers intended for Uncle Mac: "Don't trouble yourself about me. I cango with Uncle and slip away without disturbing anybody. "

"I don't believe you'll have the heart to do it, " said Charlieincredulously as he sealed the last note. 

"Wait and see. "

"I will, but I shall hope to the last. " And kissing his hand to her, hedeparted to post her letters, quite sure that Miss Waring would not leadthe German. 

It certainly looked for a moment as if Miss Campbell would, because sheran to the door with the words "I'll go" upon her lips. But she did notopen it till she had stood a minute staring hard at the old glove onPsyche's head; then like one who had suddenly gotten a bright idea, shegave 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 repeatedbefore a rough head bobbed out from the grotto of books in which Macusually sat when he studied. 

"Did anyone speak?" he asked, blinking in the flood of sunshine thatentered with Rose. 

"Only three times, thank you. Don't disturb yourself, I beg, for Imerely want to say a word, " answered Rose as she prevented him fromoffering the easy chair in which he sat. 

"I was rather deep in a compound fracture and didn't hear. What can I dofor you, Cousin?" And Mac shoved a stack of pamphlets off the chair nearhim with a hospitable wave of the hand that sent his papers flying inall directions. 

Rose sat down, but did not seem to find her "word" an easy one toutter, for she twisted her handkerchief about her fingers in embarrassedsilence till Mac put on his glasses and, after a keen look, askedsoberly: "Is it a splinter, a cut, or a whitlow, ma'am?"

"It is neither. Do forget your tiresome surgery for a minute and be thekindest cousin that ever was, " answered Rose, beginning rather sharplyand 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 theother 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 yourduty 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 yourspirits. "

Mac gave a groan and fell back vanquished, for it was evident thatescape 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 suddenattack decidedly amazed him. 

"Sheer necessity, but don't do it if it is so very dreadful to you. Imust go to several more parties, because they are made for me, but afterthat I'll refuse, and then no one need be troubled with me. "

Something in Rose's voice made Mac answer penitently, even while he knithis brows in perplexity. "I don't mean to be rude, and of course I'll goanywhere if I'm really needed. But I don't understand where the suddennecessity is, with three other fellows at command, all better dancersand beaus than I am. "

"I don't want them, and I do want you, for I haven't the heart to dragUncle out anymore, and you know I never go with any gentleman but thoseof 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 thatsomething was amiss and fancying that Dandy was at the bottom of it, ashe had done escort duty several times lately. 

"No, Steve has been very good, but I know he had rather be with KittyVan, so of course I feel like a marplot, though he is too polite to hintit. "

"What a noodle that boy is! But there's Archie he's steady as a churchand has no sweetheart to interfere, " continued Mac, bound to get at thetruth 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 doesprefer 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 cameto 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 motherscouldn't keep him at home of an evening. Have you had a tiff with Adonisand so fall back on poor me?" asked Mac, coming last to the person ofwhom he thought first but did not mention, feeling shy about alluding toa 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 bequite independent, and you can help me if you will, " said Rose, rathernervously spinning the big globe close by. 

Mac gave a low whistle, looking wide awake all in a minute as he saidwith 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 meblindfold into any nice maneuver. Just tell me straight out what youwant and I'll do it if I can. Play I'm Uncle and free your mind comenow. "

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 ashe could desire: "You are right, Mac, and I don't mind talking to youalmost as freely as to Uncle, because you are such a reliable fellowand 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. Iwant to keep early hours, dress simply, and behave properly no matterwhat fashionable people do. You will agree to that, I'm sure, and standby me through thick and thin for principle's sake. "

"I will, and begin by showing you that I understand the case. I don'twonder you are not pleased, for Charlie is too presuming, and you doneed someone to help you head him off a bit. Hey, Cousin?"

"What a way to put it!" And Rose laughed in spite of herself, addingwith an air of relief, "That is it, and I do want someone to help memake him understand that I don't choose to be taken possession of inthat lordly way, as if I belonged to him more than to the rest of thefamily. I don't like it, for people begin to talk, and Charlie won't seehow 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 doesit again when I am so placed that I can't say anything. You will neverunderstand, and I cannot explain, for it is only a look, or a word, orsome little thing but I won't have it, and the best way to cure him isto 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 speakto him if you like and tell him you don't want to learn. Shall I?" askedMac, finding the case rather an interesting one. 

"No, thank you that would only make trouble. If you will kindly playescort a few times, it will show Charlie that I am in earnest withoutmore words and put a stop to the gossip, " said Rose, coloring like apoppy at the recollection of what she heard one young man whisper toanother as Charlie led her through a crowded supper room with his mostdevoted air, "Lucky dog! He is sure to get the heiress, and we arenowhere. "

"There's no danger of people gossiping about us, is there?" And Maclooked 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 meevery night and not a word would be said or, if there was, I shouldn'tmind since it is 'only Mac, '" answered Rose, smiling as she quoted ahousehold phrase often used to excuse his vagaries. 

"Then I am nobody?" he said, lifting his brows as if the discoverysurprised and rather nettled him. 

"Nobody in society as yet, but my very best cousin in private, and I'vejust proved my regard by making you my confidant and choosing you for myknight, " said Rose, hastening to soothe the feelings her careless wordsseemed 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 uponyou! I know a dozen who would be proud of the place, but you only carefor compound fractures, so I won't detain you any longer, except to askif I may consider myself provided with an escort for tomorrow night?"said Rose, a trifle hurt at his indifference, for she was not used torefusals. 

"If I may hope for the honor. " And, rising, he made her a bow which wassuch a capital imitation of Charlie's grand manner that she forgave himat once, exclaiming with amused surprise: "Why, Mac! I didn't know youcould be so elegant!"

"A fellow can be almost anything he likes if he tries hard enough, " heanswered, standing very straight and looking so tall and dignifiedthat Rose was quite impressed, and with a stately courtesy she retired, saying graciously: "I accept with thanks. Good morning, Dr. AlexanderMackenzie Campbell. "

When Friday evening came and word was sent up that her escort hadarrived, Rose ran down, devoutly hoping that he had not come in avelveteen jacket, top-boots, black gloves, or made any trifling mistakeof that sort. A young gentleman was standing before the long mirror, apparently intent upon the arrangement of his hair, and Rose pausedsuddenly as her eye went from the glossy broadcloth to the white-glovedhands, busy with an unruly lock that would not stay in place. 

"Why, Charlie, I thought--" she began with an accent of surprise in hervoice, but got no further, for the gentleman turned and she beheld Macin immaculate evening costume, with his hair parted sweetly on his brow, a superior posy at his buttonhole, and the expression of a martyr on hisface. 

"Ah, don't you wish it was? No one but yourself to thank that it isn'the. 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 upin return for the sacrifice he is making?"

"Stop calling me a boy. It will soothe my agony immensely and give mecourage to appear in a low-necked coat and curl on my forehead, for I'mnot 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 theaforesaid curl, that Rose laughed in his face and added to his woeby handing him her cloak. He surveyed it gravely for a minute, thencarefully put it on wrong side out and gave the swan's-down hood a goodpull over the head, to the utter destruction of all smoothness to thecurls inside. 

Rose uttered a cry and cast off the cloak, bidding him learn to do itproperly, which he meekly did and then led her down the hall withoutwalking on her skirts more than three times on the way. But at the doorshe discovered that she had forgotten her furred overshoes and bade Macget them. 

"Never mind it's not wet, " he said, pulling his cap over his eyes andplunging into his coat, regardless of the "elegancies" that afflictedhim. 

"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 pickingher up, Mac landed her in the carriage before she could say a word. 

"What an escort!" she exclaimed in comic dismay, as she rescued herdelicate dress from a rug in which he was about to tuck her up like amummy. 

"It's 'only Mac, ' so don't mind, " and he cast himself into anopposite corner with the air of a man who had nerved himself to theaccomplishment 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 theminto 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 whatyou are about and don't get yourself or me into a scrape if you can helpit, " besought Rose, feeling that on many accounts she had gone furtherand 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 peculiarone; for, after dancing once with his cousin, he left her to her owndevices and soon forgot all about her in a long conversation withProfessor Stumph, the learned geologist. Rose did not care, for onedance proved to her that that branch of Mac's education had been sadlyneglected, and she was glad to glide smoothly about with Steve, thoughhe was only an inch or two taller than herself. She had plenty ofpartners, however, and plenty of chaperons, for all the young men wereher most devoted, and all the matrons beamed upon her with maternalbenignity. 

Charlie was not there, for when he found that Rose stood firm, and hadmoreover engaged Mac as a permanency, he would not go at all and retiredin high dudgeon to console himself with more dangerous pastimes. Rosefeared it would be so, and even in the midst of the gaiety about her ananxious mood came over her now and then and made her thoughtful for amoment. She felt her power and wanted to use it wisely, but did not knowhow to be kind to Charlie without being untrue to herself and giving himfalse hopes. 

"I wish we were all children again, with no hearts to perplex us and nogreat temptations to try us, " she said to herself as she rested a minutein a quiet nook while her partner went to get a glass of water. Rightin the midst of this half-sad, half-sentimental reverie, she hearda familiar voice behind her say earnestly: "And allophite is the newhydrous silicate of alumina and magnesia, much resembling pseudophite, which Websky found in Silesia. "

"What is Mac talking about!" she thought, and, peeping behind a greatazalea in full bloom, she saw her cousin in deep conversation with theprofessor, evidently having a capital time, for his face had lost itsmelancholy expression and was all alive with interest, while the elderman was listening as if his remarks were both intelligent and agreeable. 

"What is it?" asked Steve, coming up with the water and seeing a smileon 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 toneof despair: "If you had seen the pains I took with that fellow, thepatience with which I brushed his wig, the time I spent trying toconvince him that he must wear thin boots, and the fight I had to gethim 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 bylooking as if he'd been in a row. "

Steve spoke in such a tragic tone that Rose took another peep and didsympathize with Dandy, for Mac's elegance was quite gone. His tie wasunder one ear, his posy hung upside down, his gloves were rolled into aball, which he absently squeezed and pounded as he talked, and his hairlooked as if a whirlwind had passed over it, for his ten fingers setit on end now and then, as they had a habit of doing when he studied ortalked earnestly. But he looked so happy and wide awake, in spite of hisdishevelment, 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 oddways suit him best and I fancy we shall be proud of him, for he knowsmore than all the rest of us put together. Hear that now. " And Rosepaused that they might listen to the following burst of eloquence fromMac's lips: "You know Frenzal has shown that the globular forms ofsilicate of bismuth at Schneeburg and Johanngeorgenstadt are notisometric, but monoclinic in crystalline form, and consequently heseparates them from the old eulytite and gives them the new nameAgricolite. "

"Isn't it awful? Let us get out of this before there's another avalancheor we shall be globular silicates and isometric crystals in spite ofourselves, " whispered Steve with a panic-stricken air, and they fledfrom the hailstorm of hard words that rattled about their ears, leavingMac to enjoy himself in his own way. 

But when Rose was ready to go home and looked about for her escort, hewas nowhere to be seen, for the professor had departed, and Mac withhim, so absorbed in some new topic that he entirely forgot his cousinand went placidly home, still pondering on the charms of geology. Whenthis pleasing fact dawned upon Rose her feelings may be imagined. Shewas both angry and amused it was so like Mac to go mooning off and leaveher to her fate. Not a hard one, however; for, though Steve was gonewith Kitty before her plight was discovered, Mrs. Bliss was only tooglad to take the deserted damsel under her wing and bear her safelyhome. 

Rose was warming her feet and sipping the chocolate which Phebe alwayshad ready for her, as she never ate supper, when a hurried tap cameat the long window whence the light streamed and Mac's voice was heardsoftly asking to be let in "just for one minute. "

Curious to know what had befallen him, Rose bade Phebe obey his calland the delinquent cavalier appeared, breathless, anxious, and moredilapidated than ever, for he had forgotten his overcoat; his tie was atthe back of his neck now; and his hair as rampantly erect as if all thewinds of heaven had been blowing freely through it, as they had, forhe had been tearing to and fro the last half hour, trying to undo thedreadful deed he had so innocently committed. 

"Don't take any notice of me, for I don't deserve it. I only came to seethat you were safe, Cousin, and then go hang myself, as Steve advised, "he began in a remorseful tone that would have been very effective ifhe had not been obliged to catch his breath with a comical gasp now andthen. 

"I never thought you would be the one to desert me, " said Rose with areproachful look, thinking it best not to relent too soon, though shewas 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 generalinformation, as the time was short. You know I always forget everythingelse when I get hold of such a fellow. "

"That is evident. I wonder how you came to remember me at all, " answeredRose, on the brink of a laugh it was so absurd. 

"I didn't till Steve said something that reminded me then it burst uponme, in one awful shock, that I'd gone and left you, and you might haveknocked me down with a feather, " said honest Mac, hiding none of hisiniquity. 

"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 peltedback again to see with my own eyes that you were safe at home, " answeredMac with a sigh of relief, wiping his hot forehead. 

"But it is three miles at least each way, and twelve o'clock, and darkand cold. Oh, Mac! How could you!" exclaimed Rose, suddenly realizingwhat he had done as she heard his labored breathing, saw the state ofthe thin boots, and detected the absence of an overcoat. 

"Couldn't do less, could I?" asked Mac, leaning up against the door andtrying not to pant. 

"There was no need of half killing yourself for such a trifle. You mighthave known I could take care of myself for once, at least, with so manyfriends about. Sit down this minute. Bring another cup, please, Phebethis boy isn't going home till he is rested and refreshed after such arun as that, " commanded Rose. 

"Don't be good to me I'd rather take a scolding than a chair, and drinkhemlock instead of chocolate if you happen to have any ready, " answeredMac with a pathetic puff as he subsided onto the sofa and meekly tookthe draft Phebe brought him. 

"If you had anything the matter with your heart, sir, a race of thissort 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 ismy fault I ought to have stopped as we went by and told you I was allright. "

"It's the mortification, not the miles, that upsets me. I often takethat run for exercise and think nothing of it but tonight I was so madI made extra-good time, I fancy. Now don't you worry, but composeyour 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 anoccasional glance at Websky's pseudophites and the monoclinics ofJohanngeorgenstadt. "

Mac opened his eyes wide at this reply, then seemed to see the joke andjoined in the laugh with such heartiness that Aunt Plenty's voice washeard 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 ashe came out of the study, absently looking about for his own. 

"You haven't any, you benighted boy! So take this, and have your witsabout you next time or I won't let you off so easily, " she said, holdingup the heavy garment and peeping over it, with no sign of displeasure inher laughing eyes. 

"Next time! Then you do forgive me? You will try me again, and give me achance to prove that I'm not a fool?" cried Mac, embracing the big coatwith emotion. 

"Of course I will, and, so far from thinking you a fool, I was muchimpressed with your learning tonight and told Steve that we ought to beproud of our philosopher. "

"Learning be hanged! I'll show you that I'm not a bookworm but as mucha 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 offhis 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 dutifullydid once or twice a week. On her way upstairs she heard a singular soundin 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 myleft leg while I'm turning and sliding with my right?" demanded anothervoice 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 tobehold a sight which made her shake with suppressed laughter. Steve, with a red tablecloth tied around his waist, languished upon Mac'sshoulder, dancing in perfect time to the air he whistled, for Dandy wasproficient in the graceful art and plumed himself upon his skill. Mac, with a flushed face and dizzy eye, clutched his brother by the smallof his back, vainly endeavoring to steer him down the long room withoutentangling his own legs in the tablecloth, treading on his partner'stoes, or colliding with the furniture. It was very droll, and Roseenjoyed the spectacle till Mac, in a frantic attempt to swing around, dashed himself against the wall and landed Steve upon the floor. Thenit was impossible to restrain her laughter any longer and she walked inupon them, saying merrily: "It was splendid! Do it again, and I'll playfor you. "

Steve sprang up and tore off the tablecloth in great confusion, whileMac, still rubbing his head, dropped into a chair, trying to look quitecalm and cheerful as he gasped out: "How are you, Cousin? When did youcome? John should have told us. "

"I'm glad he didn't, for then I should have missed this touching tableauof cousinly devotion and brotherly love. Getting ready for our nextparty, I see. "

"Trying to, but there are so many things to remember all at once keeptime, steer straight, dodge the petticoats, and manage my confoundedlegs that it isn't easy to get on at first, " answered Mac with a sigh ofexhaustion, wiping his hot forehead. 

"Hardest job I ever undertook and, as I'm not a battering ram, I declineto be knocked round any longer, " growled Steve, dusting his knees andruefully 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 acomic mixture of gratitude and resignation that Rose went off again soirresistibly that her cousins joined her with a hearty roar. 

"As you are making a martyr of yourself in my service, the least Ican 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, Rosebeckoned so invitingly that the gravest philosopher would have yielded. 

"A thousand thanks, but I'm afraid I shall hurt you, " began Mac, muchgratified, but mindful of past mishaps. 

"I'm not. Steve didn't manage his train well, for good dancers alwaysloop theirs up. I have none at all, so that trouble is gone and themusic will make it much easier to keep step. Just do as I tell you, andyou'll go beautifully after a few turns. "

"I will, I will! Pipe up, Steve! Now, Rose!" And, brushing his hair outof his eyes with an air of stern determination, Mac grasped Rose andreturned to the charge bent on distinguishing himself if he died in theattempt. 

The second lesson prospered, for Steve marked the time by a series ofemphatic bangs; Mac obeyed orders as promptly as if his life depended onit; and, after several narrow escapes at exciting moments, Rose had thesatisfaction of being steered safely down the room and landed with agrand pirouette at the bottom. Steve applauded, and Mac, much elated, exclaimed with artless candor: "There really is a sort of inspirationabout 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 yourpartner in this way when you are done. You must seat and fan her, ifshe likes it, " said Rose, anxious to perfect a pupil who seemed solamentably in need of a teacher. 

"Yes, of course, I know how they do it. " And, releasing his cousin, Macraised a small whirlwind around her with a folded newspaper, so full ofzeal that she had not the heart to chide him again. 

"Well done, old fellow. I begin to have hopes of you and will orderyou a new dress coat at once, since you are really going in forthe proprieties of life, " said Steve from the music stool, with theapproving 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 makea laughingstock of himself as he did the other night, " added Steve. "Idon't mean his geological gabble that was bad enough, but his chat withEmma Curtis was much worse. Tell her, Mac, and see if she doesn't thinkpoor Emma had a right to think you a first-class bore. "

"I don't see why, when I merely tried to have a little sensibleconversation, " began Mac with reluctance, for he had been unmercifullychaffed 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, curiousto hear, for Steve's eyes were twinkling with fun. 

"Well, I knew she was fond of theaters, so I tried that first and goton pretty well till I began to tell her how they managed those things inGreece. Most interesting subject, you know?"

"Very. Did you give her one of the choruses or a bit of Agamemnon, asyou did when you described it to me?" asked Rose, keeping sober withdifficulty as she recalled that serio-comic scene. 

"Of course not, but I was advising her to read Prometheus when she gapedbehind her fan and began to talk about Phebe. What a 'nice creature' shewas, 'kept her place, ' dressed according to her station, and that sortof twaddle. I suppose it was rather rude, but being pulled up so shortconfused 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 roombecause 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 alwaysin the height of fashion and was particularly splendid that night. Whatdid 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. Followingher example, I changed the subject by talking about the charity concertfor the orphans, and when she gushed about the 'little darlings, ' Iadvised her to adopt one and wondered why young ladies didn't do thatsort 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, andshe's very welcome, for I went on to say that I thought it would notonly be a lovely charity, but excellent training for the time when theyhad little darlings of their own. No end of poor things die through theignorance of mothers, you know, " added Mac, so seriously that Rose darednot smile at what went before. 

"Imagine Emma trotting round with a pauper baby under her arm instead ofher 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 thankfulheart. Catch me setting her pug's leg again, " ended Mac with a grimshake of the head. 

"Never mind. You were unfortunate in your listener that time. Don'tthink all girls are so foolish. I can show you a dozen sensible ones whowould discuss dress reform and charity with you and enjoy Greektragedy if you did the chorus for them as you did for me, " said Roseconsolingly, 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 verypleasant 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 roundthe 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 whichreminded 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 gestureof comic despair, Mac strode from the room, chanting tragically thewords of Cassandra, "'Woe! woe! O Earth! O Apollo! I will dare to die; Iwill accost the gates of Hades, and make my prayer that I may receive amortal blow!'"

Chapter 7 PHEBE

While Rose was making discoveries and having experiences, Phebe wasdoing the same in a quieter way, but though they usually compared notesduring the bedtime tete-a-tete which always ended their day, certaintopics were never mentioned, so each had a little world of her own intowhich even the eye of friendship did not peep. 

Rose's life just now was the gaiest but Phebe's the happiest. Both wentout a good deal, for the beautiful voice was welcomed everywhere, andmany were ready to patronize the singer who would have been slow torecognize the woman. Phebe knew this and made no attempt to assertherself, content to know that those whose regard she valued felt herworth and hopeful of a time when she could gracefully take the place shewas meant to fill. 

Proud as a princess was Phebe about some things, though in most ashumble as a child; therefore, when each year lessened the service sheloved to give and increased the obligations she would have refused fromany other source, dependence became a burden which even the most ferventgratitude could not lighten. Hitherto the children had gone on together, finding no obstacles to their companionship in the secluded worldin which they lived. Now that they were women their paths inevitablydiverged, and both reluctantly felt that they must part before long. 

It had been settled, when they were abroad, that on their return Phebeshould take her one gift in her hand and try her fortunes. On noother terms would she accept the teaching which was to fit her for theindependence she desired. Faithfully had she used the facilities sogenerously afforded both at home and abroad and now was ready to provethat they had not been in vain. Much encouraged by the small successesshe 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 hercareer as a concert singer, for she aimed no higher. 

Just at this time much interest was felt in a new asylum for orphangirls, which could not be completed for want of funds. The Campbellswell had borne their part and still labored to accomplish themuch-needed charity. Several fairs had been given for this purpose, followed by a series of concerts. Rose had thrown herself into the workwith all her heart and now proposed that Phebe should make her debut atthe last concert, which was to be a peculiarly interesting one, as allthe orphans were to be present and were expected to plead their owncause by the sight of their innocent helplessness as well as touchhearts 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 herproposal Phebe answered readily: "Where could I find a fitter time andplace to come before the public than here among my little sisters inmisfortune? I'll sing for them with all my heart only I must be one ofthem and have no flourish made about me. "

"You shall arrange it as you like, and as there is to be little vocalmusic but yours and the children's, I'll see that you have everything asyou please, " promised Rose. 

It was well she did, for the family got much excited over the prospectof "our Phebe's debut" and would have made a flourish if the girls hadnot resisted. Aunt Clara was in despair about the dress because Phebedecided to wear a plain claret-colored merino with frills at neck andwrists so that she might look, as much as possible, like the otherorphans in their stuff gowns and white aprons. Aunt Plenty wanted tohave a little supper afterward in honor of the occasion, but Phebebegged her to change it to a Christmas dinner for the poor children. Theboys planned to throw bushels of flowers, and Charlie claimed the honorof leading the singer in. But Phebe, with tears in her eyes, declinedtheir kindly offers, saying earnestly: "I had better begin as I am to goon and depend upon myself entirely. Indeed, Mr. Charlie, I'd ratherwalk in alone, for you'd be out of place among us and spoil the patheticeffect we wish to produce. " And a smile sparkled through the tears asPhebe looked at the piece of elegance before her and thought of thebrown gowns and pinafores. 

So, after much discussion, it was decided that she should have her wayin all things and the family content themselves with applauding from thefront. 

"We'll blister our hands every man of us, and carry you home in achariot and four see if we don't, you perverse prima donna!" threatenedSteve, 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 shallbe quite steady till my part is all over, and then I may feel a littleupset, so I'd like to get away before the confusion begins. Indeed, Idon't mean to be perverse, but you are all so kind to me, my heart isfull whenever I think of it, and that wouldn't do if I'm to sing, " saidPhebe, dropping one of the tears on the little frill she was making. 

"No diamond could have adorned it better, " Archie thought as he watchedit shine there for a moment, and felt like shaking Steve for daring topat the dark head with an encouraging "All right. I'll be on hand andwhisk you away while the rest are splitting their gloves. No fear ofyour breaking down. If you feel the least bit like it, though, just lookat me and I'll glare at you and shake my fist, since kindness upsetsyou. "

"I wish you would, because one of my ballads is rather touching and Ialways want to cry when I sing it. The sight of you trying to glare willmake 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 tohimself for his influence over tall, handsome Phebe. 

If he had known what was going on in the mind of the silent younggentleman behind the newspaper, Steve would have been much astonished, for Archie, though apparently engrossed by business, was fathoms deep inlove by this time. No one suspected this but Rose, for he did his wooingwith his eyes, and only Phebe knew how eloquent they could be. He haddiscovered what the matter was long ago had made many attempts to reasonhimself out of it, but, finding it a hopeless task, had given up tryingand let himself drift deliciously. The knowledge that the family wouldnot approve only seemed to add ardor to his love and strength tohis purpose, for the same energy and persistence which he brought tobusiness went into everything he did, and having once made up his mindto 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 accusedof precipitation, though it did not take him one to decide that this wasthe woman to make him happy. Her steadfast nature, quiet, busy ways, and the reserved power and passion betrayed sometimes by a flash of theblack eyes, a quiver of the firm lips, suited Archie, who possessed manyof the same attributes himself. The obscurity of her birth and isolationof her lot, which would have deterred some lovers, not only appealed tohis kindly heart, but touched the hidden romance which ran like a veinof gold through his strong common sense and made practical, steady-goingArchie a poet when he fell in love. If Uncle Mac had guessed what dreamsand fancies went on in the head bent over his ledgers, and what emotionswere fermenting in the bosom of his staid "right-hand man, " he wouldhave tapped his forehead and suggested a lunatic asylum. The boysthought Archie had sobered down too soon. His mother began to fear thatthe air of the counting room did not suit him, and Dr. Alec was deludedinto the belief that the fellow really began to "think of Rose, " hecame so often in the evening, seeming quite content to sit beside herworktable and snip tape or draw patterns while they chatted. 

No one observed that, though he talked to Rose on these occasions, helooked at Phebe, in her low chair close by, busy but silent, for shealways tried to efface herself when Rose was near and often mourned thatshe 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 thetable, the damask cheek curving down into the firm white throat, and thedark lashes, lifted now and then, showing eyes so deep and soft he darednot look into them long. Even the swift needle charmed him, the littlebrooch which rose and fell with her quiet breath, the plain work shedid, 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 ravagedRose's if he wanted string or scissors; very rarely ventured to bringher some curious or pretty thing when ships came in from China onlysat and thought of her, imagined that this was his parlor, this herworktable, and they two sitting there alone a happy man and wife. 

At this stage of the little evening drama he would be conscious of sucha strong desire to do something rash that he took refuge in a new formof intoxication and proposed music, sometimes so abruptly that Rosewould pause in the middle of a sentence and look at him, surprised tomeet a curiously excited look in the usually cool gray eyes. 

Then Phebe, folding up her work, would go to the piano, as if glad tofind a vent for the inner life which she seemed to have no power ofexpressing except in song. Rose would follow to accompany her, andArchie, moving to a certain shady corner whence he could see Phebe'sface as she sang, would give himself up to unmitigated rapture forhalf an hour. Phebe never sang so well as at such times, for the kindlyatmosphere was like sunshine to a bird, criticisms were few and gentle, praises hearty and abundant, and she poured out her soul as freely as aspring gushes up when its hidden source is full. 

In moments such as these Phebe was beautiful with the beauty that makesa man's eye brighten with honest admiration and fills his heart with asense of womanly nobility and sweetness. Little wonder, then, that thechief spectator of this agreeable tableau grew nightly more enamored, and while the elders were deep in whist, the young people were playingthat still more absorbing game in which hearts are always trumps. 

Rose, having Dummy for a partner, soon discovered the fact and latelyhad begun to feel as she fancied Wall must have done when Pyramus wooedThisbe through its chinks. She was a little startled at first, thenamused, then anxious, then heartily interested, as every woman is insuch affairs, and willingly continued to be a medium, though sometimesshe 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 shrinkas if suddenly conscious of wrongdoing and seize every possible pretextfor absenting herself from the "girls' corner, " as the pretty recess wascalled. 

The concert plan afforded excellent opportunities for doing this, andevening after evening she slipped away to practice her songs upstairswhile Archie sat staring disconsolately at the neglected work basketand mute piano. Rose pitied him and longed to say a word of comfort, butfelt shy he was such a reserved fellow so left him to conduct his quietwooing 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 theconcert, for while the rest of the family nodded and smiled, chatted andlaughed in great spirits, Archie was as mute as a fish and sat with hisarms tightly folded, as if to keep in any unruly emotions which mightattempt to escape. He never looked at the program, but Rose knew whenPhebe's turn came by the quick breath he drew and the intent look, soabsent before, that came into his eyes. 

But her own excitement prevented much notice of his, for Rose was ina flutter of hope and fear, sympathy and delight, about Phebe and hersuccess. The house was crowded; the audience sufficiently mixed to makethe general opinion impartial; and the stage full of little orphans withshining faces, a most effective reminder of the object in view. 

"Little dears, how nice they look!" "Poor things, so young to befatherless and motherless. " "It will be a disgrace to the city if thosegirls are not taken proper care of. " "Subscriptions are always in order, you know, and pretty Miss Campbell will give you her sweetest smile ifyou hand her a handsome check. " "I've heard this Phebe Moore, and shereally has a delicious voice such a pity she won't fit herself foropera!" "Only sings three times tonight; that's modest, I'm sure, whenshe's the chief attraction, so we must give her an encore after theItalian piece. " "The orphans lead off, I see. Stop your ears if youlike, 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 gentlemanappeared, made his bow, skipped upon the leader's stand, and with a waveof his baton caused a general uprising of white pinafores as the orphansled off with that much-enduring melody "America" in shrill small voices, but with creditable attention to time and tune. Pity and patriotismproduced 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 hishair in picturesque confusion, and what his friends called a "musicalbrow, " bounded up the steps and, clutching a roll of music with a pairof tightly gloved hands, proceed to inform the audience, in a huskytenor voice, that "It was a lovely violet. "

What else the song contained in the way of sense or sentiment it wasimpossible to discover as the three pages of music appeared to consistof variations upon that one line, ending with a prolonged quaver whichflushed the musical brow and left the youth quite breathless when hemade 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 pianowas rolled forward, the leader's stand pushed back, and all eyes turnedtoward the anteroom door. 

She forgot to glance at Archie, and it was as well perhaps, for hisheart was thumping almost audibly as he waited for his Phebe. Not fromthe anteroom, but out among the children, where she had sat unseen inthe shadow of the organ, came stately Phebe in her wine-colored dress, with no ornament but her fine hair and a white flower at her throat. Very pale, but quite composed, apparently, for she stepped slowlythrough the narrow lane of upturned faces, holding back her skirts lestthey should rudely brush against some little head. Straight to the frontshe went, bowed hastily, and, with a gesture to the accompanist, stoodwaiting to begin, her eyes fixed on the great gilt clock at the oppositeend of the hall. 

They never wandered from that point while she sang, but as she endedthey dropped for an instant on an eager, girlish countenance bendingfrom a front seat; then, with her hasty little bow, she went quicklyback among the children, who clapped and nodded as she passed, wellpleased with the ballad she had sung. 

Everyone courteously followed their example, but there was noenthusiasm, and it was evident that Phebe had not produced aparticularly favorable impression. 

"Never sang so badly in her life, " muttered Charlie irefully. 

"She was frightened, poor thing. Give her time, give her time, " saidUncle Mac kindly. 

"I know she was, and I glared like a gorgon, but she never looked atme, " added Steve, smoothing his gloves and his brows at the same time. 

"That first song was the hardest, and she got through much better thanI expected, " put in Dr. Alec, bound not to show the disappointment hefelt. 

"Don't be troubled. Phebe has courage enough for anything, and she'llastonish you before the evening's over, " prophesied Mac with unabatedconfidence, for he knew something the rest did not. 

Rose said nothing, but under cover of her burnous gave Archie's hand asympathetic squeeze, for his arms were unfolded now, as if the strainwas over, and one lay on his knee while with the other he wiped his hotforehead with an air of relief. 

Friends about them murmured complimentary fibs and affected greatdelight and surprise at Miss Moore's "charming style, " "exquisitesimplicity, " and "undoubted talent. " But strangers freely criticized, and Rose was so indignant at some of their remarks, she could not listento anything on the stage, though a fine overture was played, a man witha remarkable bass voice growled and roared melodiously, and the orphanssang a lively air with a chorus of "Tra, la, la, " which was a greatrelief to little tongues unused to long silence. 

"I've often heard that women's tongues were hung in the middle and wentat both ends now I'm sure of it, " whispered Charlie, trying to cheer herup by pointing out the comical effect of some seventy-five open mouthsin each of which the unruly member was wagging briskly. 

Rose laughed and let him fan her, leaning from his seat behind with thedevoted air he always assumed in public, but her wounded feelings werenot soothed and she continued to frown at the stout man on the left whohad dared to say with a shrug and a glance at Phebe's next piece, "Thatyoung woman can no more sing this Italian thing than she can fly, andthey ought not to let her attempt it. "

Phebe did, however, and suddenly changed the stout man's opinion bysinging it grandly, for the consciousness of her first failurepricked her pride and spurred her to do her best with the calm sort ofdetermination which conquers fear, fires ambition, and changes defeatto success. She looked steadily at Rose now, or the flushed, intent facebeside her, and throwing all her soul into the task, let her voicering out like a silver clarion, filling the great hall and setting thehearers' blood a-tingle with the exulting strain. 

That settled Phebe's fate as a cantatrice. The applause was genuine andspontaneous this time and broke out again and again with the generousdesire to atone for former coldness. But she would not return, and theshadow of the great organ seemed to have swallowed her up, for no eyecould find her, no pleasant clamor win her back. 

"Now I can die content, " said Rose, beaming with heartfelt satisfactionwhile Archie looked steadfastly at his program, trying to keep his facein order, and the rest of the family assumed a triumphant air, as ifthey had never doubted from the first. 

"Very well, indeed, " said the stout man with an approving nod. "Quitepromising for a beginner. Shouldn't wonder if in time they made a secondCary or Kellogg of her. "

"Now you'll forgive him, won't you?" murmured Charlie in his cousin'sear. 

"Yes, and I'd like to pat him on the head. But take warning and neverjudge by first appearances again, " whispered Rose, at peace now with allmankind. 

Phebe's last song was another ballad; she meant to devote her talent tothat much neglected but always attractive branch of her art. It wasa 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 outin the old bird song which first won Rose. But the chirping, twittering, and cooing were now the burden to three verses of a charming littlesong, full of springtime and the awakening life that makes it lovely. Arippling accompaniment flowed through it all, and a burst of delightedlaughter from the children filled up the first pause with a fittinganswer to the voices that seemed calling to them from the vernal woods. 

It was very beautiful, and novelty lent its charm to the surprise, forart and nature worked a pretty miracle and the clever imitation, firstheard from a kitchen hearth, now became the favorite in a crowdedconcert room. Phebe was quite herself again; color in the cheeks now;eyes that wandered smiling to and fro; and lips that sang as gaily andfar more sweetly than when she kept time to her blithe music with ascrubbing brush. 

This song was evidently intended for the children, and they appreciatedthe kindly thought, for as Phebe went back among them, they clappedecstatically, flapped their pinafores, and some caught her by the skirtswith audible requests to "Do it again, please; do it again. "

But Phebe shook her head and vanished, for it was getting late for suchsmall people, several of whom "lay sweetly slumbering there" till rousedby the clamor round them. The elders, however, were not to be denied andapplauded persistently, especially Aunt Plenty, who seized Uncle Mac'scane and pounded with it as vigorously as "Mrs. Nubbles" at the play. 

"Never mind your gloves, Steve; keep it up till she comes, " criedCharlie, enjoying the fun like a boy while Jamie lost his head withexcitement and, standing up, called "Phebe! Phebe!" in spite of hismother's attempts to silence him. 

Even the stout man clapped, and Rose could only laugh delightedly as sheturned to look at Archie, who seemed to have let himself loose at lastand was stamping with a dogged energy funny to see. 

So Phebe had to come, and stood there meekly bowing, with a moved lookon her face that showed how glad and grateful she was, till a suddenhush came; then, as if inspired by the memory of the cause that broughther 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 growold. 

That went straight to the hearts of those who heard her, for there wassomething inexpressibly touching in the sight of this sweet-voiced womansinging of home for the little creatures who were homeless, and Phebemade her tuneful plea irresistible by an almost involuntary gesture ofthe hands which had hung loosely clasped before her till, with the lastecho of the beloved word, they fell apart and were half outstretched, asif pleading to be filled. 

It was the touch of nature that works wonders, for it made full pursessuddenly weigh heavily in pockets slow to open, brought tears to eyesunused to weep, and caused that group of red-gowned girls to growvery pathetic in the sight of fathers and mothers who had left littledaughters safe asleep at home. This was evident from the stillness thatremained unbroken for an instant after Phebe ended; and before peoplecould get rid of their handkerchiefs she would have been gone if thesudden appearance of a mite in a pinafore, climbing up the stairsfrom the anteroom with a great bouquet grasped in both hands, had notarrested her. 

Up came the little creature, intent on performing the mission for whichrich bribes of sugarplums had been promised, and trotting bravely acrossthe 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 presenceof mind and left behind her a pretty picture of the oldest and youngestorphan as she went quickly down the step, smiling over the great bouquetwith the baby on her arm. 

Nobody minded the closing piece, for people began to go, sleepy childrento be carried off, and whispers grew into a buzz of conversation. In thegeneral confusion Rose looked to see if Steve had remembered his promiseto help Phebe slip away before the rush began. No, there he was puttingon Kitty's cloak, quite oblivious to any other duty. Turning to askArchie to hurry out, Rose found that he had already vanished, leavinghis gloves behind him. 

"Have you lost anything?" asked Dr. Alec, catching a glimpse of herface. 

"No, sir, I've found something, " she whispered back, giving him thegloves to pocket along with her fan and glass, adding hastily as theconcert ended, "Please, Uncle, tell them all not to come with us. Phebehas had enough excitement and ought to rest. "

Rose's word was law to the family in all things concerning Phebe. Soword 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 wayhome, while he and Aunt Plenty were prophesying a brilliant future forthe singer, Rose sat rejoicing over the happy present of the woman. She was sure that Archie had spoken and imagined the whole scene withfeminine delight how tenderly he had asked the momentous question, howgratefully Phebe had given the desired reply, and now how both wereenjoying that delicious hour which Rose had been given to understandnever came but once. Such a pity to shorten it, she thought, andbegged 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 theexcitement of the evening. 

"I thought you would want to rush into Phebe's arms the instant she gotdone, " said Aunt Plenty, innocently wondering at the whims girls tookinto their heads. 

"So I should if I consulted my own wishes, but as Phebe asked to be letalone I want to gratify her, " answered Rose, making the best excuse shecould. 

"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 warnthe lovers the instant she entered the house. But study, parlor, andboudoir were empty; and, when Jane appeared with cake and wine, shereported 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 repressesher emotions as long as she can. I'll step up and see if she doesn'tneed a soothing draft of some sort. " And Dr. Alec threw off his coat ashe spoke. 

"No, no, she's only tired. I'll run up to her she won't mind me and I'llreport if anything is amiss. "

Away went Rose, quite trembling with suspense, but Phebe's door wasshut, no light shone underneath, and no sound came from the room within. She tapped and receiving no answer, went on to her own chamber, thinkingto herself: "Love always makes people queer, I've heard, so I supposethey settled it all in the carriage and the dear thing ran away to thinkabout her happiness alone. I'll not disturb her. Why, Phebe!" said Rose, surprised, for, entering her room, there was the cantatrice, busy aboutthe 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 wereunnaturally pale. 

The instant she spoke Rose knew that something was wrong, and a glanceat her face confirmed the fear. It was like a dash of cold water andquenched her happy fancies in a moment; but being a delicate-mindedgirl, she respected Phebe's mood and asked no questions, made nocomments, 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 mynerves. Oh, dearest Phebe, I am so glad, so proud, so full of wonder atyour courage and skill and sweet ways altogether that I cannot half tellyou how I love and honor you!" she cried, kissing the white cheeks withsuch tender warmth they could not help glowing faintly as Phebe heldher little mistress close, sure that nothing could disturb this innocentaffection. 

"It is all your work, dear, because but for you I might still bescrubbing floors and hardly dare to dream of anything like this, " shesaid in her old grateful way, but in her voice there was a thrill ofsomething deeper than gratitude, and at the last two words her head wentup 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'smyrtle wreath. But she only looked up, saying very wistfully: "Then ithas been a happy night for you as well as for us. "

"The happiest of my life, and the hardest, " answered Phebe briefly asshe looked away from the questioning eyes. 

"You should have let us come nearer and help you through. I'm afraid youare very proud, my Jenny Lind. "

"I have to be, for sometimes I feel as if I had nothing else to keepme up. " She stopped short there, fearing that her voice would provetraitorous if she went on. In a moment she asked in a tone that wasalmost hard: "You think I did well tonight?"

"They all think so, and were so delighted they wanted to come in a bodyand 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 crowdabout you than just me?"

"It was the kindest thing you ever did, and what could I like betterthan 'just you, ' my darling?"

Phebe seldom called her that, and when she did her heart was in thelittle word, making it so tender that Rose thought it the sweetest inthe world, next to Uncle Alec's "my little girl. " Now it was almostpassionate, and Phebe's face grew rather tragical as she looked down atRose. It was impossible to seem unconscious any longer, and Rose said, caressing Phebe's cheek, which burned with a feverish color now: "Thendon't shut me out if you have a trouble, but let me share it as I letyou share all mine. "

"I will! Little mistress, I've got to go away, sooner even than weplanned. "

"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 andanswered honestly: "Uncle and I would be heartily glad, and I'm sureAunt 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 adisappointment if he brought me home. She is right, they all are, and Ialone am to blame. I should have gone long ago I knew I should, but itwas so pleasant, I couldn't bear to go away alone. "

"I kept you, and I am to blame if anyone, but indeed, dear Phebe, Icannot see why you should care even if Aunt Myra croaks and Aunt Claraexclaims or Aunt Jane makes disagreeable remarks. Be happy, and nevermind them, " cried Rose, so much excited by all this that she felt thespirit of revolt rise up within her and was ready to defy even thatawe-inspiring institution "the family" for her friend's sake. 

But Phebe shook her head with a sad smile and answered, still with thehard tone in her voice as if forcing back all emotion that she might seeher 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 ahouse, a friendless, penniless, forlorn girl, and for years been heapedwith benefits, trusted, taught, loved, and made, oh, so happy! couldyou think it right to steal away something that these good people valuedvery much? To have them feel that you had been ungrateful, had deceivedthem, and meant to thrust yourself into a high place not fit for youwhen they had been generously helping you in other ways, far more thanyou deserved. Could you then say as you do now, 'Be happy, and nevermind them'?"

Phebe held Rose by the shoulders now and searched her face so keenlythat the other shrank a little, for the black eyes were full of fire andthere was something almost grand about this girl who seemed suddenly tohave become a woman. There was no need for words to answer the questionso swiftly asked, for Rose put herself in Phebe's place in the drawingof a breath, and her own pride made her truthfully reply: "No I couldnot!"

"I knew you'd say that, and help me do my duty. " And all the coldnessmelted out of Phebe's manner as she hugged her little mistress close, feeling the comfort of sympathy even through the blunt sincerity ofRose'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, Rosestretched 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 toconfession, she knelt down upon the rug and, leaning on the arm of thechair, told her love story in the simplest words. 

"I never thought he cared for me until a little while ago. I fancied itwas you, and even when I knew he liked to hear me sing I supposed it wasbecause you helped, and so I did my best and was glad you were to bea happy girl. But his eyes told the truth. Then I saw what I had beendoing and was frightened. He did not speak, so I believed, what is quitetrue, 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 notask 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. Iplanned to go as soon as possible and resolved that at this concert Iwould do so well, he should not be ashamed of poor Phebe and her onegift. "

"It was this that made you so strange, then, preferring to go alone andrefusing every little favor at our hands?" asked Rose, feeling very surenow about the state of Phebe's heart. 

"Yes, I wanted to do everything myself and not owe one jot of mysuccess, if I had any, to even the dearest friend I've got. It was badand 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 Icould hardly see, and that great crowd of faces seemed so near, I darednot look. If it had not been for the clock I never should have gottenthrough, and when I did, not knowing in the least how I'd sung, one lookat your distressed face told me I'd failed. "

"But I smiled, Phebe indeed I did as sweetly as I could, for I was sureit was only fright, " protested Rose eagerly. 

"So you did, but the smile was full of pity, not of pride, as I wantedit to be, and I rushed into a dark place behind the organ, feeling readyto kill myself. How angry and miserable I was! I set my teeth, clenchedmy hands, and vowed that I would do well next time or never sing anothernote. I was quite desperate when my turn came, and felt as if I could doalmost anything, for I remembered that he was there. I'm not sure how itwas, but it seemed as if I was all voice, for I let myself go, tryingto 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 tosee you do yourself justice at last. "

"And he?" whispered Phebe, with her face half hidden on the arm of thechair. 

"Said not a word, but I saw his lips tremble and his eyes shine and Iknew he was the happiest creature there, because I was sure he did thinkyou fit to be his wife and did mean to speak very soon. "

Phebe made no answer for a moment, seeming to forget the small successin the greater one which followed and to comfort her sore heart with theknowledge that Rose was right. 

"He sent the flowers, he came for me, and, on the way home, showed mehow wrong I had been to doubt him for an hour. Don't ask me to tell thatpart, 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 softand sudden as a summer shower. 

Rose let them flow undisturbed while she silently caressed the benthead, wondering, with a wistful look in her own wet eyes, what thismysterious passion was which could so move, ennoble, and beautify thebeings whom it blessed. 

An impertinent little clock upon the chimneypiece striking eleven brokethe silence and reminded Phebe that she could not indulge in love dreamsthere. She started up, brushed off her tears, and said resolutely: "Thatis enough for tonight. Go happily to bed, and leave the troubles fortomorrow. "

"But, Phebe, I must know what you said, " cried Rose, like a childdefrauded 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'lllet you go to dream of him. The Campbells are rather proud of beingdescendants of Robert the Bruce, but they have common sense and love youdearly, as you'll see tomorrow. "

"Perhaps. " And with a good night kiss, poor Phebe went away, to lieawake till dawn. 

Chapter 8 BREAKERS AHEAD

Anxious to smooth the way for Phebe, Rose was up betimes and slippedinto 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'llbrush your hair, as you like to have me, " she began, well aware that theproposed process was a very soothing one. 

"Yes, dear only don't be too particular, because I'm late and must hurrydown or Jane won't get things straight, and it does fidget me to havethe saltcellars uneven, the tea strainer forgotten, and your uncle'spaper not aired, " returned Miss Plenty, briskly unrolling the two graycurls she wore at her temples. 

Then Rose, brushing away at the scanty back hair, led skillfully up tothe crisis of her tale by describing Phebe's panic and brave efforts toconquer 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 AuntPlenty was full of interest, sympathy, and approbation, but when Roseadded, as if it was quite a matter of course, "So, on the way home, hetold her he loved her, " a great start twitched the gray locks out ofher hands as the old lady turned around, with the little curls standingerect, 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 soonas 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 toone 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 ofthe sort, and I'm surprised at Archie's forgetting what he owes to thefamily in this rash manner. Give me my cap, child I must speak to Alecat once. " And Aunt Plenty twisted her hair into a button at the back ofher head with one energetic twirl. 

"Do speak kindly, Aunty, and remember that it was not Phebe's fault. Shenever thought of this till very lately and began at once to prepare forgoing away, " said Rose pleadingly. 

"She ought to have gone long ago. I told Myra we should have troublesomewhere as soon as I saw what a good-looking creature she was, andhere it is as bad as can be. Dear, dear! Why can't young people have alittle prudence?"

"I don't see that anyone need object if Uncle Jem and Aunt Jessieapprove, and I do think it will be very, very unkind to scold poor Phebefor being well-bred, pretty, and good, after doing all we could to makeher so. "

"Child, you don't understand these things yet, but you ought to feelyour duty toward your family and do all you can to keep the nameas honorable as it always has been. What do you suppose our blessedancestress Lady Marget would say to our oldest boy taking a wife fromthe poorhouse?"

As she spoke, Miss Plenty looked up, almost apprehensively, at oneof the wooden-faced old portraits with which her room was hung, as ifasking pardon of the severe-nosed matron who stared back at her fromunder the sort of blue dish cover which formed her headgear. 

"As Lady Marget died about two hundred years ago, I don't care a pinwhat 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 whowouldn't hurt a fly, much less a good and faithful girl who has been asister to me. Would she?" entreated Rose, knowing well that the elderaunt led all the rest more or less. 

But Miss Plenty had her cap on now and consequently felt herselftwice the woman she was without it, so she not only gave it a somewhatbelligerent air by setting it well up, but she shook her head decidedly, smoothed down her stiff white apron, and stood up as if ready forbattle. 

"I shall do my duty, Rose, and expect the same of others. Don't say anymore now I must turn the matter over in my mind, for it has come upon mesuddenly and needs serious consideration. "

With which unusually solemn address she took up her keys and trottedaway, leaving her niece to follow with an anxious countenance, uncertainwhether her championship had done good or ill to the cause she had atheart. 

She was much cheered by the sound of Phebe's voice in the study, forRose 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'sheavy eyes and pale cheeks did not look encouraging, while Dr. Alec wasas sober as a judge and sent an inquiring glance toward Rose now andthen as if curious to discover how she bore the news. 

An uncomfortable meal, though all tried to seem as usual and talked overlast night's events with all the interest they could. But the old peacewas disturbed by a word, as a pebble thrown into a quiet pool sendstelltale circles rippling its surface far and wide. Aunt Plenty, while"turning the subject over in her mind, " also seemed intent on upsettingeverything she touched and made sad havoc in her tea tray; Dr. Alecunsociably read his paper; Rose, having salted instead of sugared heroatmeal, absently ate it, feeling that the sweetness had gone out ofeverything; and Phebe, after choking down a cup of tea and crumbling aroll, excused herself and went away, sternly resolving not to be a boneof contention to this beloved family. 

As soon as the door was shut Rose pushed away her plate and, going toDr. Alec, she peeped over the paper with such an anxious face that heput 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 withpretty solemnity. "You have often been disappointed in me, " shecontinued, "but I know I never shall be in you because you are too wiseand good to let any worldly pride or prudence spoil your sympathy withArchie 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 myside, I'm not afraid of anybody. "

"Gently, gently, child. I don't intend to desert the lovers, but Icertainly shall advise them to consider well what they are about. I'llown I am rather disappointed, because Archie is young to decide his lifein this way and Phebe's career seemed settled in another fashion. Oldpeople don't like to have their plans upset, you know, " he added morelightly, for Rose's face fell as he went on. 

"Old people shouldn't plan too much for the young ones, then. We arevery grateful, I'm sure, but we cannot always be disposed of in themost prudent and sensible way, so don't set your hearts on littlearrangements of that sort, I beg, " And Rose looked wondrous wise, forshe could not help suspecting even her best uncle of "plans" in herbehalf. 

"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 thelovers, he added kindly: "I was much pleased with the straightforwardway in which Phebe came to me this morning and told me all about it, asif I really was her guardian. She did not own it in words, but it wasperfectly evident that she loves Archie with all her heart, yet, knowingthe objections which will be made, very sensibly and bravely proposesto go away at once and end the matter as if that were possible, poorchild. " And the tenderhearted man gave a sigh of sympathy that did Rosegood to hear and mollified her rising indignation at the bare idea ofending 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 notmake our benefits a burden, but leave her free, and if she chooses to dothis in spite of Archie, we must let her with a Godspeed. "

Before Rose could answer, Aunt Plenty spoke out like one havingauthority, for old-fashioned ways were dear to her soul and she thoughteven love affairs should be conducted with a proper regard to the powersthat be. 

"The family must talk the matter over and decide what is best forthe children, who of course will listen to reason and do nothing illadvised. For my part, I am quite upset by the news, but shall not commitmyself till I've seen Jessie and the boy. Jane, clear away, and bring methe hot water. "

That ended the morning conference. And, leaving the old lady to sootheher mind by polishing spoons and washing cups, Rose went away to findPhebe while the doctor retired to laugh over the downfall of brotherMac's matchmaking schemes. 

The Campbells did not gossip about their concerns in public, but beinga very united family, it had long been the custom to "talk over" anyinteresting event which occurred to any member thereof, and everyonegave his or her opinion, advice, or censure with the utmost candor. Therefore the first engagement, if such it could be called, created agreat sensation, among the aunts especially, and they were in as much ofa flutter as a flock of maternal birds when their young begin to hop outof the nest. So at all hours the excellent ladies were seen excitedlynodding their caps together as they discussed the affair in all itsbearings, without ever arriving at any unanimous decision. 

The boys took it much more calmly. Mac was the only one who came outstrongly in Archie's favor. Charlie thought the Chief ought to do betterand called Phebe "a siren who had bewitched the sage youth. " Steve wasscandalized and delivered long orations upon one's duty to society, keeping the old name up, and the danger of mésalliances, while all thetime he secretly sympathized with Archie, being much smitten with KittyVan himself. Will and Geordie, unfortunately home for the holidays, considered it "a jolly lark, " and little Jamie nearly drove his elderbrother distracted by curious inquiries as to "how folks felt when theywere 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 failureof the little plot which he fancied was prospering finely. 

"I'll never set my heart on anything of the sort again, and the youngrascals may marry whom they like. I'm prepared for anything now--so ifSteve brings home the washerwoman's daughter, and Mac runs away with ourpretty chambermaid, I shall say, 'Bless you my children, ' with mournfulresignation, for, upon my soul, that is all that's left for a modernparent to do. "

With which tragic burst, poor Uncle Mac washed his hands of the wholeaffair and buried himself in the countinghouse while the storm raged. 

About this time Archie might have echoed Rose's childish wish, thatshe had not quite so many aunts, for the tongues of those interestedrelatives made sad havoc with his little romance and caused him to longfervently for a desert island where he could woo and win his love indelicious peace. That nothing of the sort was possible soon becameevident, since every word uttered only confirmed Phebe's resolution togo away and proved to Rose how mistaken she had been in believing thatshe 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 headagainst a wall to try and convince them that Archie was wise in lovingpoor Phebe. His mother, who had hoped to have Rose for her daughter notbecause of her fortune, but the tender affection she felt for her putaway her disappointment without a word and welcomed Phebe as kindlyas she could for her boy's sake. But the girl felt the truth with thequickness of a nature made sensitive by love and clung to her resolveall the more tenaciously, though grateful for the motherly words thatwould 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 peoplewould say" if one of "our boys" married a nobody's daughter. And AuntMyra not only seconded her views by painting portraits of Phebe'sunknown relations in the darkest colors but uttered direful propheciesregarding the disreputable beings who would start up in swarms themoment the girl made a good match. 

These suggestions so wrought upon Aunt Plenty that she turned a deafear to the benevolent emotions native to her breast and, taking refugebehind "our blessed ancestress, Lady Marget, " refused to sanction anyengagement which could bring discredit upon the stainless name which washer pride. 

So it all ended where it began, for Archie steadily refused to listento 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 herthat her instinct had been a true one and pride would not let her stay, though love pleaded eloquently. So, after a Christmas anything butmerry, Phebe packed her trunks, rich in gifts from those who generouslygave her all but the one thing she desired, and, with a pocketful ofletters to people who could further her plans, she went away to seek herfortune, with a brave face and a very heavy heart. 

"Write often, and let me know all you do, my Phebe, and remember I shallnever be contented till you come back again, " whispered Rose, clingingto her till the last. 

"She will come back, for in a year I'm going to bring her home, pleaseGod, " 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 giveand me to receive it, " answered Phebe, with a backward glance at thegroup 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 amhere. Remember that, and God bless you, my good girl, " he said, with apaternal 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 whatI shall find on the next page?" said Rose, coming down on New Year'smorning with a serious face and a thick letter in her hand. 

"Tired of frivolity, my dear?" asked her uncle, pausing in his walk upand down the hall to glance at her with a quick, bright look she likedto bring into his eyes. 

"No, sir, and that's the sad part of it, but I've made up my mind tostop while I can because I'm sure it is not good for me. I've had somevery sober thoughts lately, for since my Phebe went away I've had noheart 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?" heasked, well pleased. 

"By trying to be as unselfish, brave, and good as she is. " And Rose heldthe letter against her bosom with a tender touch, for Phebe's strengthhad inspired her with a desire to be as self-reliant. "I'm going to setabout living in earnest, as she has; though I think it will be harderfor me than for her, because she stands alone and has a career markedout for her. I'm nothing but a commonplace sort of girl, with no endof relations to be consulted every time I wink and a dreadful fortunehanging 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 aboutit, " sighed Rose, oppressed with her blessings. 

"Afflicted child! How can I relieve you?" And there was amusement aswell 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 firstplace, help me to wean myself from foolish pleasures and show me howto occupy my thoughts and time so that I may not idle about and dreaminstead of doing great things. "

"Good! We'll begin at once. Come to town with me this morning and seeyour houses. They are all ready, and Mrs. Gardner has half a dozenpoor souls waiting to go in as soon as you give the word, " answered thedoctor promptly, glad to get his girl back again, though not surprisedthat she still looked with regretful eyes at the Vanity Fair, always soenticing when we are young. 

"I'll give it today, and make the new year a happy one to those poorsouls 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 forso long that she had set her heart on having a grand time today, and Iparticularly want to please her because I have not been as amiable as Iought 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 amgoing to make my New Year's calls today and, as my friends live downthat way, I'll get the list of names from Mrs. G. And tell the poorladies, 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 shouldhave thought of it if you had not proposed the plan. "

"Bless your heart! I'm only your agent, and suggest now and then. I'venothing to offer but advice, so I lavish that on all occasions. "

"You have nothing because you've given your substance all away asgenerously as you do your advice. Never mind you shall never come towant while I live. I'll save enough for us two, though I do make 'ducksand drakes of my fortune. '"

Dr. Alec laughed at the toss of the head with which she quoted Charlie'soffensive words, then offered to take the letter, saying, as he lookedat his watch: "I'll post that for you in time for the early mail. I likea run before breakfast. "

But Rose held her letter fast, dimpling with sudden smiles, half merryand half shy. 

"No thank you, sir. Archie likes to do that, and never fails to call forall I write. He gets a peep at Phebe's in return and I cheer him upa bit, for, though he says nothing, he has a hard time of it, poorfellow. "

"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 ofsentimental youngsters. " And the doctor walked away, looking as if heenjoyed 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 thehospitable mansion pretty steadily all day. The clan was out in greatforce, and came by in installments to pay their duty to Aunt Plentyand wish the compliments of the season to "our cousin. " Archie appearedfirst, looking sad but steadfast, and went away with Phebe's letter inhis left breast pocket feeling that life was still endurable, though hislove was torn from him, for Rose had many comfortable things to say andread him delicious bits from the voluminous correspondence lately begun. 

Hardly was he gone when Will and Geordie came marching in, lookingas fine as gray uniforms with much scarlet piping could make them andfeeling peculiarly important, as this was their first essay in NewYear's call-making. Brief was their stay, for they planned to visitevery friend they had, and Rose could not help laughing at the drollmixture of manly dignity and boyish delight with which they drove offin their own carriage, both as erect as ramrods, arms folded, and capsstuck at exactly the same angle on each blond head. 

"Here comes the other couple Steve, in full feather, with a big bouquetfor Kitty, and poor Mac, looking like a gentleman and feeling like amartyr, I'm sure, " said Rose, watching one carriage turn in as theother turned out of the great gate, with its arch of holly, ivy, andevergreen. 

"Here he is. I've got him in tow for the day and want you to cheer himup with a word of praise, for he came without a struggle though planningto bolt somewhere with Uncle, " cried Steve, falling back to display hisbrother, who came in looking remarkably well in his state and festivalarray, for polishing had begun to tell. 

"A happy New Year, Aunty, same to you, Cousin, and best wishes for asmany more as you deserve, " said Mac, heeding Steve no more than if hehad been a fly as he gave the old lady a hearty kiss and offered Rose aquaint little nosegay of pansies. 

"Heart's-ease do you think I need it?" she asked, looking up with suddensobriety. 

"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 alwaystouched her because he seemed to understand her moods so well. 

"Has Archie been here? He said he shouldn't go anywhere else, but I hopeyou talked that nonsense out of his head, " said Steve, settling his tiebefore the mirror. 

"Yes, dear, he came but looked so out of spirits I really feltreproached. Rose cheered him up a little, but I don't believe he willfeel equal to making calls and I hope he won't, for his face tells thewhole story much too plainly, " answered Aunty Plenty, rustling about herbountiful 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 findanother lover, so don't be worried about him, Aunty, " said Steve, withthe 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 tryto find another lover, though she'll probably have them she is so sweetand good!" cried Rose indignantly, for, having taken the pair under herprotection, 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 werehis 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 tillthey made you relent or plainly proved that it was no use. "

"If they were good as well as constant, I think I should relent intime. "

"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 tenyears' wait or not, " put in Steve, who liked to rally Rose about herlovers. 

"I'll never forgive you if you say a word to anyone. It is only Mac'sodd way of asking questions, and I ought not to answer them. You willtalk about such things and I can't stop you, but I don't like it, " saidRose, much annoyed. 

"Poor little Penelope! She shall not be teased about her suitors butleft in peace till her Ulysses comes home, " said Mac, sitting down toread the mottoes sticking out of certain fanciful bonbons on the table. 

"It is this fuss about Archie which has demoralized us all. Even the owlwaked up and hasn't got over the excitement yet, you see. He's had noexperience, poor fellow, so he doesn't know how to behave, " observedSteve, regarding his bouquet with tender interest. 

"That's true, and I asked for information because I may be in lovemyself 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 thebookworm a slave to the tender passion. 

Quite unruffled, Mac leaned his chin in both hands, regarding them witha meditative eye as he answered in his whimsical way: "Why not? I intendto study love as well as medicine, for it is one of the most mysteriousand remarkable diseases that afflict mankind, and the best way tounderstand it is to have it. I may catch it someday, and then I shouldlike to know how to treat and cure it. "

"If you take it as badly as you did measles and whooping cough, it willgo 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 thegreatest we can know, I believe, except death. "

Something in Mac's quiet tone and thoughtful eyes made Rose look at himin surprise, for she had never heard him speak in that way before. Stevealso stared for an instant, equally amazed, then said below his breath, with an air of mock anxiety: "He's been catching something at thehospital, typhoid probably, and is beginning to wander. I'll take himquietly away before he gets any wilder. Come, old lunatic, we must beoff. "

"Don't be alarmed. I'm all right and much obliged for your advice, for Ifancy 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 sosoberly that there was a general smile. 

"Certainly not you'll be a regular Douglas, tender and true, " answeredRose, wondering what queer question would come next. 

"Thank you. The fact is, I've been with Archie so much in his troublelately that I've gotten interested in this matter and very naturallywant to investigate the subject as every rational man must, sooner orlater, that's all. Now, Steve, I'm ready. " And Mac got up as if thelesson was over. 

"My dear, that boy is either a fool or a genius, and I'm sure I shouldbe glad to know which, " said Aunt Plenty, putting her bonbons to rightswith a puzzled shake of her best cap. 

"Time will show, but I incline to think that he is not a fool by anymeans, " answered the girl, pulling a cluster of white roses out of herbosom to make room for the pansies, though they did not suit the bluegown half so well. 

Just then Aunt Jessie came in to help them receive, with Jamie to makehimself generally useful, which he proceeded to do by hovering aroundthe table like a fly about a honey pot when not flattening his noseagainst the windowpanes to announce excitedly, "Here's another mancoming up the drive!"

Charlie arrived next in his most sunshiny humor, for anything socialand festive was his delight, and when in this mood the Prince was quiteirresistible. He brought a pretty bracelet for Rose and was graciouslyallowed to put it on while she chid him gently for his extravagance. 

"I am only following your example, for you know 'nothing is too goodfor those we love, and giving away is the best thing one can do, '" heretorted, quoting words of her own. 

"I wish you would follow my example in some other things as well as youdo in this, " said Rose soberly as Aunt Plenty called him to come and seeif the punch was right. 

"Must conform to the customs of society. Aunty's heart would be brokenif we did not drink her health in the good old fashion. But don't bealarmed I've a strong head of my own, and that's lucky, for I shall needit before I get through, " laughed Charlie, showing a long list ashe turned away to gratify the old lady with all sorts of merry andaffectionate compliments as the glasses touched. 

Rose did feel rather alarmed, for if he drank the health of all theowners of those names, she felt sure that Charlie would need a verystrong head indeed. It was hard to say anything then and there withoutseeming disrespect to Aunt Plenty, yet she longed to remind her cousinof the example she tried to set him in this respect, for Rose nevertouched wine, and the boys knew it. She was thoughtfully turning thebracelet, with its pretty device of turquoise forget-me-nots, when thegiver came back to her, still bubbling over with good spirits. 

"Dear little saint, you look as if you'd like to smash all the punchbowls in the city, and save us jolly young fellows from tomorrow'sheadache. "

"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 adangerous 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 thegallant figure before her, it was impossible to repress the womanlylonging to keep it always as brave and blithe as now. 

Charlie saw that new softness in the eyes that never looked unkindly onhim, fancied that it meant more than it did, and, with a sudden fervorin his own voice, answered quickly: "My darling, I will!"

The glow which had risen to his face was reflected in hers, for at thatmoment it seemed as if it would be possible to love this cousin who wasso willing to be led by her and so much needed some helpful influenceto make a noble man of him. The thought came and went like a flash, butgave her a quick heartthrob, as if the old affection was tremblingon the verge of some warmer sentiment, and left her with a sense ofresponsibility never felt before. Obeying the impulse, she said, with apretty blending of earnestness and playfulness, "If I wear the braceletto remember you by, you must wear this to remind you of your promise. "

"And you, " whispered Charlie, bending his head to kiss the hands thatput a little white rose in his buttonhole. 

Just at that most interesting moment they became aware of an arrival inthe front drawing room, whither Aunt Plenty had discreetly retired. Rosefelt grateful for the interruption, because, not being at all sureof the state of her heart as yet, she was afraid of letting a suddenimpulse lead her too far. But Charlie, conscious that a very propitiousinstant had been spoiled, regarded the newcomer with anything but abenignant expression of countenance and, whispering, "Good-bye, my Rose, I shall look in this evening to see how you are after the fatigues ofthe day, " he went away, with such a cool nod to poor Fun See that theamiable Asiatic thought he must have mortally offended him. 

Rose had little leisure to analyze the new emotions of which she wasconscious, for Mr. Tokio came up at once to make his compliments witha comical mingling of Chinese courtesy and American awkwardness, andbefore he had got his hat on Jamie shouted with admiring energy: "Here'sanother! Oh, such a swell!"

They now came thick and fast for many hours, and the ladies stoodbravely at their posts till late into the evening. Then Aunt Jessie wenthome, escorted by a very sleepy little son, and Aunt Plenty retired tobed, used up. Dr. Alec had returned in good season, for his friends werenot fashionable ones, but Aunt Myra had sent up for him in hot haste andhe had good-naturedly obeyed the summons. In fact, he was quite used tothem now, for Mrs. Myra, having tried a variety of dangerous diseases, had finally decided upon heart complaint as the one most likely to keepher friends in a chronic state of anxiety and was continually sendingword that she was dying. One gets used to palpitations as well aseverything else, so the doctor felt no alarm but always went andprescribed some harmless remedy with the most amiable sobriety andpatience. 

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 thestudy to wait for her uncle and perhaps Charlie, though she did notexpect him so late. 

Aunt Myra's palpitations must have been unusually severe, for the clockstruck twelve before Dr. Alec came, and Rose was preparing to end herreverie when the sound of someone fumbling at the hall door made herjump up, saying to herself: "Poor man! His hands are so cold he can'tget his latchkey in. Is that you, Uncle?" she added, running to admithim, 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 satthere with his hat on, rubbing his gloveless hands and blinking as ifthe light dazzled him, as he said in a rapid, abrupt sort of tone, "Itold you I'd come left the fellows keeping it up gloriously going to seethe old year out, you know. But I promised never break my word and hereI am. Angel in blue, did you slay your thousands?"

"Hush! The waiters are still about. Come to the study fire and warmyourself, you must be frozen, " said Rose, going before to roll up theeasy chair. 

"Not at all never warmer looks very comfortable, though. Where'sUncle?" asked Charlie, following with his hat still on, his hands in hispockets, 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. "Poorold 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 quitecomfortably, you know. "

"Don't speak in that way. Uncle says imaginary troubles are often ashard to bear as real ones, " said Rose, turning around displeased. 

Till now she had not fairly looked at him, for recollections of themorning made her a little shy. His attitude and appearance surprised heras much as his words, and the quick change in her face seemed to remindhim of his manners. Getting up, he hastily took off his hat and stoodlooking at her with a curiously fixed yet absent look as he said in thesame rapid, abrupt way, as if, when once started, he found it hard tostop, "I beg pardon only joking very bad taste I know, and won't do itagain. The heat of the room makes me a little dizzy, and I think I got achill coming out. It is cold I am frozen, I daresay though I drove likethe devil. "

"Not that bad horse of yours, I hope? I know it is dangerous, solate and alone, " said Rose, shrinking behind the big chair as Charlieapproached the fire, carefully avoiding a footstool in his way. 

"Danger is exciting that's why I like it. No man ever called me a cowardlet him try it once. I never give in and that horse shall not conquerme. I'll break his neck, if he breaks my spirit doing it. No I don'tmean that never mind it's all right, " and Charlie laughed in a way thattroubled her, because there was no mirth in it. 

"Have you had a pleasant day?" asked Rose, looking at him intently as hestood pondering over the cigar and match which he held, as if doubtfulwhich to strike and which to smoke. 

"Day? Oh, yes, capital. About two thousand calls, and a nice littlesupper at the Club. Randal can't sing any more than a crow, but I lefthim with a glass of champagne upside down, trying to give them my oldfavorite:

"'Tis better to laugh than be sighing, "

and Charlie burst forth in that bacchanalian melody at the top of hisvoice, waving an allumette holder over his head to represent Randal'sinverted wineglass. 

"Hush! You'll wake Aunty, " cried Rose in a tone so commanding that hebroke off in the middle of a roulade to stare at her with a blank lookas 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'llswear never to sing another note if you say so. I'm only a little gay wedrank your health handsomely, and they all congratulated me. Told 'emit wasn't out yet. Stop, though I didn't mean to mention that. No matterI'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 behindthe chair. 

She was not angry, but shocked and frightened, for she knew now what thematter was and grew so pale, he saw it and asked pardon before she couldutter 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 betrayingher 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. " Andas if the sound of his uncle's name steadied him for an instant, Charliemade for the door with an unevenness of gait which would have told theshameful truth if his words had not already done so. Before he reachedit, however, the sound of wheels arrested him and, leaning against thewall, he listened with a look of dismay mingled with amusement creepingover his face. "Brutus has bolted now I am in a fix. Can't walk homewith this horrid dizziness in my head. It's the cold, Rose, nothingelse, I do assure you, and a chill yes, a chill. See here! Let one ofthose fellows there lend me an arm no use to go after that brute. Won'tMother be frightened though when he gets home?" And with that emptylaugh again, he fumbled for the door handle. 

"No, no don't let them see you! Don't let anyone know! Stay here tillUncle comes, and he'll take care of you. Oh, Charlie! How could you doit! How could you when you promised?" And, forgetting fear in the suddensense of shame and anguish that came over her, Rose ran to him, caughthis hand from the lock, and turned the key; then, as if she could notbear to see him standing there with that vacant smile on his lips, shedropped into a chair and covered up her face. 

The cry, the act, and, more than all, the sight of the bowed head wouldhave sobered poor Charlie if it had not been too late. He looked aboutthe room with a vague, despairing look, as if to find reason fastslipping from his control, but heat and cold, excitement and recklesspledging of many healths had done their work too well to make instantsobriety possible, and owning his defeat with a groan, he turned awayand threw himself face-downward on the sofa, one of the saddest sightsthe new year looked upon as it came in. 

As she sat there with hidden eyes, Rose felt that something dear to herwas dead forever. The ideal, which all women cherish, look for, and toooften think they have found when love glorifies a mortal man, is hard togive up, especially when it comes in the likeness of the first lover whotouches a young girl's heart. Rose had just begun to feel that perhapsthis cousin, despite his faults, might yet become the hero that hesometimes looked, and the thought that she might be his inspiration wasgrowing sweet to her, although she had not entertained it untilvery lately. Alas, how short the tender dream had been, how rude theawakening! How impossible it would be ever again to surround that fallenfigure with all the romance of an innocent fancy or gift it with thehigh attributes beloved by a noble nature!

Breathing heavily in the sudden sleep that kindly brought a briefoblivion of himself, he lay with flushed cheeks, disordered hair, andat his feet the little rose that never would be fresh and fair again apitiful contrast now to the brave, blithe young man who went so gailyout that morning to be so ignominiously overthrown at night. 

Many girls would have made light of a trespass so readily forgiven bythe world, but Rose had not yet learned to offer temptation with a smileand shut her eyes to the weakness that makes a man a brute. It alwaysgrieved or disgusted her to see it in others, and now it was veryterrible 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 fillher mind with dark forebodings for the future. So she could only sitmourning for the Charlie that might have been while watching the Charliethat was with an ache in her heart which found no relief till, puttingher hands there as if to ease the pain, they touched the pansies, fadedbut still showing gold among the somber purple, and then two great tearsdropped on them as she sighed: "Ah, me! I do need heart's-ease soonerthan I thought!"

Her uncle's step made her spring up and unlock the door, showing himsuch an altered face that he stopped short, ejaculating in dismay, "Goodheavens, child! What's the matter?" adding, as she pointed to the sofain pathetic silence, "Is he hurt? ill? dead?"

"No, Uncle, he is--" She could not utter the ugly word but whisperedwith a sob in her throat, "Be kind to him, " and fled away to her ownroom, 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 behappy again?" were the first questions Rose asked herself as soon as shewoke from the brief sleep which followed a long, sad vigil. It seemedas if the whole world must be changed because a trouble darkened it forher. She was too young yet to know how possible it is to forgive muchgreater sins than this, forget far heavier disappointments, outlivehigher hopes, and bury loves compared to which hers was but a girlishfancy. She wished it had not been so bright a day, wondered how herbirds 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 inthe glass, "Poor thing! You thought the new leaf would have somethingpleasant 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 stillbe in the house made her hurry to the door, to find Dr. Alec waiting forher with his morning smile. She drew him in and whispered anxiously, asif someone lay dangerously ill nearby, "Is he better, Uncle? Tell me allabout it I can bear it now. "

Some men would have smiled at her innocent distress and told her thiswas only what was to be expected and endured, but Dr. Alec believed inthe pure instincts that make youth beautiful, desired to keep them true, and hoped his girl would never learn to look unmoved by pain and pityupon any human being vanquished by a vice, no matter how trivial itseemed, how venial it was held. So his face grew grave, though his voicewas cheerful as he answered: "All right, I daresay, by this time, forsleep 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, forthe air and motion, after a dash of cold water, brought him around, andhe 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 frightenedwhen he got back alone?"

"Not at all. The sagacious beast went quietly to the stable, and thesleepy groom asked no questions, for Charlie often sends the horse roundby himself when it is late or stormy. Rest easy, dear no eye but ourssaw 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 methe 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 betterinfluences Charlie will redeem himself because his impulses are good andthis his only vice. I can hardly blame him for what he is, because hismother did the harm. I declare to you, Rose, I sometimes feel as if Imust break out against that woman and thunder in her ears that she isruining 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 oftenrouses up a drowsy soul when sunshine has no effect. Rose liked it, andsincerely wished Aunt Clara had been there to get the benefit of theoutbreak, for she needed just such an awakening from the self-indulgentdream in which she lived. 

"Do it, and save Charlie before it is too late!" she cried, kindlingherself as she watched him, for he looked like a roused lion as hewalked 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 herstand up straight and strong as she answered with an eager voice: "Iwill. "

"Then don't love him yet. "

That startled her, but she asked steadily, though her heart began tobeat and her color to come: "Why not?"

"Firstly, because no woman should give her happiness into the keepingof a man without fixed principles; secondly, because the hope of beingworthy 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 workof 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 foryour happiness?"

"I can. "

"And will you?"

"I will. "

"Then I'm satisfied, and a great weight taken off my heart. I can't helpseeing what goes on, or trembling when I think of you setting sail withno 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 awell-drilled private obediently receiving them, and both wore the airof soldiers getting ready for a battle, with the bracing of nerves andquickening of the blood brave souls feel as they put on their armor. Atthe last words he went to her, brushed back the hair, and kissed her onthe forehead with a tender sort of gravity and a look that made herfeel as if he had endowed her with the Victoria Cross for courage on thefield. 

No more was said then, for Aunt Plenty called them down and the day'sduties began. But that brief talk showed Rose what to do and fitted herto do it, for it set her to thinking of the duty one owes one's self inloving as in all the other great passions or experiences which make ormar a life. 

She had plenty of time for quiet meditation that day because everyonewas resting after yesterday's festivity, and she sat in her little roomplanning out a new year so full of good works, grand successes, andbeautiful romances that if it could have been realized, the Millenniumwould have begun. It was a great comfort to her, however, and lightenedthe long hours haunted by a secret desire to know when Charlie wouldcome and a secret fear of the first meeting. She was sure he would bebowed down with humiliation and repentance, and a struggle took placein her mind between the pity she could not help feeling and thedisapprobation she ought to show. She decided to be gentle, but veryfrank; to reprove, but also to console; and to try to improve thesoftened moment by inspiring the culprit with a wish for all the virtueswhich make a perfect man. 

The fond delusion grew quite absorbing, and her mind was full of it asshe sat watching the sun set from her western window and admiring withdreamy eyes the fine effect of the distant hills clear and dark againsta daffodil sky when the bang of a door made her sit suddenly erect inher low chair and say with a catch in her breath: "He's coming! I mustremember what I promised Uncle and be very firm. "

Usually Charlie announced his approach with music of some sort. Now heneither whistled, hummed, nor sang, but came so quietly Rose was surethat he dreaded this meeting as much as she did and, compassionatinghis natural confusion, did not look around as the steps drew near. Shethought perhaps he would go down upon his knees, as he used to after aboyish offense, but hoped not, for too much humility distressed her, soshe waited for the first demonstration anxiously. 

It was rather a shock when it came, however, for a great nosegay droppedinto her lap and a voice, bold and gay as usual, said lightly: "Here sheis, as pretty and pensive as you please. Is the world hollow, ourdoll 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 layunnoticed 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 fellas he said quickly, though in the same light tone: "I humbly apologizefor coming so late last night. Don't be hard upon me, Cousin. You knowAmerica 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 youdid years ago, and I shall never ask you for another, " answered Rose, putting the bouquet away, for the apology did not satisfy her and shewould not be bribed to silence. 

"But, my dear girl, you are so very exacting, so peculiar in yournotions, 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 halfthe penitence he felt, not so much for the fault as for her discovery ofit. 

"I am not angry I am grieved and disappointed, for I expect every man todo his duty in another way and keep his word to the uttermost, as I tryto do. If that is exacting, I'm sorry, and won't trouble you with myold-fashioned notions anymore. "

"Bless my soul! What a rout about nothing! I own that I forgot I know Iacted 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 asI 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 histurn now to feel "terribly ashamed, " for the events of the previousevening 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 howto make his peace this time, because Rose was so unlike herself. Usuallya word of excuse sufficed, and she seemed glad to pardon and forget;now, though very quiet, there was something almost stern about her thatsurprised and daunted him, for how could he know that all the while herpitiful heart was pleading for him and the very effort to control itmade her a little hard and cold?

As he stood there, restlessly fingering the ornaments upon thechimneypiece, his eye brightened suddenly and, taking up the prettybracelet lying there, he went slowly back to her, saying in a tone thatwas humble and serious enough now: "I will act like a man, and you shallnever be ashamed again. Only be kind to me. Let me put this on, andpromise 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 thishumility was dangerous; and, but for Uncle Alec, Rose would haveanswered "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 youas 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 sayingimpetuously: "I don't want anyone but you to stand by me, and I must besure you won't desert me, else, while I'm mortifying soul and body toplease 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'llbreak 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 shevalued her liberty more than any love offered her, and she resented theauthority he assumed too soon resented it all the more warmly becauseof the effort she was making to reinstate her hero, who would insiston being a very faulty and ungrateful man. She rose straight out of herchair, saying with a look and tone which rather startled her hearer andconvinced him that she was no longer a tenderhearted child but a womanwith a will of her own and a spirit as proud and fiery as any ofher race: "My heart is my own, to dispose of as I please. Don't shutyourself out of it by presuming too much, for you have no claim on mebut 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 flashwith another, and a general explosion ensue, or wisely quench the flamewith the mild answer which turneth away wrath. He chose the lattercourse and made it very effective by throwing himself down before hisoffended goddess, as he had often done in jest. This time it was notacting, but serious, earnest, and there was real passion in his voiceas he caught Rose's dress in both hands, saying eagerly: "No, no! Don'tshut your heart against me or I shall turn desperate. I'm not half goodenough for such a saint as you, but you can do what you will with me. Ionly need a motive to make a man of me, and where can I find a strongerone than in trying to keep your love?"

"It is not yours yet, " began Rose, much moved, though all the while shefelt as if she were on a stage and had a part to play, for Charliehad made life so like a melodrama that it was hard for him to be quitesimple even when most sincere. 

"Let me earn it, then. Show me how, and I'll do anything, for you are mygood angel, Rose, and if you cast me off, I feel as if I shouldn't carehow soon there was an end of me, " cried Charlie, getting tragic in hisearnestness and putting both arms around her, as if his only safety layin clinging to this beloved fellow creature. 

Behind footlights it would have been irresistible, but somehow it didnot touch the one spectator, though she had neither time nor skill todiscover why. For all their ardor the words did not ring quite true. Despite the grace of the attitude, she would have liked him bettermanfully erect upon his feet, and though the gesture was full oftenderness, a subtle instinct made her shrink away as she said witha composure that surprised herself even more than it did him: "Pleasedon't. No, I will promise nothing yet, for I must respect the man Ilove. "

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 hadfallen in her regard since yesterday. The memory of the happy momentwhen she gave the rose with that new softness in her eyes, the shycolor, the sweet "for my sake" came back with sudden vividness, contrasting sharply with the now averted face, the hand outstretched toput him back, the shrinking figure, and in that instant's silence, poorCharlie realized what he had lost, for a girl's first thought of love isas delicate a thing as the rosy morning glory, which a breath of aircan 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 theinnocent heart, just opening to bless and to be blessed, closed againlike a sensitive plant and shut him out perhaps forever. 

The consciousness of this turned him pale with fear, for his love wasdeeper than she knew, and he proved this when he said in a tone so fullof mingled pain and patience that it touched her to the heart: "Youshall respect me if I can make you, and when I've earned it, may I hopefor something more?"

She looked up then, saw in his face the noble shame, the humble sortof courage that shows repentance to be genuine and gives promise ofsuccess, and, with a hopeful smile that was a cordial to him, answeredheartily: "You may. "

"Bless you for that! I'll make no promises, I'll ask for none only trustme, Rose, and while you treat me like a cousin, remember that no matterhow many lovers you may have you'll never be to any of them as dear asyou are to me. "

A traitorous break in his voice warned Charlie to stop there, and withno other good-bye, he very wisely went away, leaving Rose to put theneglected flowers into water with remorseful care and lay away thebracelet, saying to herself: "I'll never wear it till I feel as I didbefore. 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 VanTassel, skipping into the carriage next morning when her friend calledfor her to go shopping. 

Kitty always did have some "perfectly thrilling" communication to makeand Rose had learned to take them quietly, but the next demonstrationwas a new one, for, regardless alike of curious observers outside anddisordered hats within, Kitty caught Rose around the neck, exclaiming ina 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 sodelighted. Now what shall I be married in?" And Kitty composed herselfwith a face full of the deepest anxiety. 

"How can you talk of that so soon? Why, Kit, you unromantic girl, youought 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 longengagement, so I must begin to think about the most important things atonce, mustn't I?"

"Ah, he wants to be sure of you, for you are such a slippery creaturehe is afraid you'll treat him as you did poor Jackson and the rest, "interrupted Rose, shaking her finger at her prospective cousin, who hadtried this pastime twice before and was rather proud than otherwise ofher brief engagements. 

"You needn't scold, for I know I'm right, and when you've been insociety as long as I have you'll find that the only way to really know aman 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 wretchesthey are, " answered Kitty with an air of worldly wisdom which contrastedoddly with her youthful face and giddy manners. 

"A sad prospect for poor Steve, unless I give him a hint to look well tohis ways. "

"Oh, my dear child, I'm sure of him, for my experience has made me verysharp and I'm convinced I can manage him without a bit of trouble. We'veknown each other for ages" Steve was twenty and Kitty eighteen "andalways been the best of friends. Besides, he is quite my ideal man. Inever could bear big hands and feet, and his are simply adorable. Thenhe's the best dancer I know and dresses in perfect taste. I really dobelieve I fell in love with his pocket handkerchiefs first, they were soenchanting I couldn't resist, " laughed Kitty, pulling a large one outof her pocket and burying her little nose in the folds, which shed adelicious fragrance upon the air. 

"Now, that looks promising, and I begin to think you have got a littlesentiment after all, " said Rose, well pleased, for the merry brown eyeshad softened suddenly and a quick color came up in Kitty's cheek as sheanswered, still half hiding her face in the beloved handkerchief: "Ofcourse 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. Mygracious, Rose, you'd have thought me a romantic goose last night whileSteve proposed in the back parlor, for I actually cried, he was sodreadfully in earnest when I pretended that I didn't care for him, andso very dear and nice when I told the truth. I didn't know he had it inhim, but he came out delightfully and never cared a particle, though Idropped 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 underthose fine fronts of his. Aunt Jane doesn't believe in sentiment, sohe has been trained never to show any, but it is there, and you mustencourage him to let it out, not foolishly, but in a way to make himmore manly and serious. "

"I will if I can, for though I wouldn't own this to everybody, I like itin 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 wantit to be a profound secret for a week at least, " added Kitty, whiskingher handkerchief out of sight as the carriage stopped before thefashionable store they were about to visit. 

Rose promised with a smile, for Kitty's face betrayed her withoutwords, so full was it of the happiness which few eyes fail to understandwhenever they see it. 

"Just a glance at the silks. You ask my opinion about white ones, andI'll look at the colors. Mama says satin, but that is out now, and I'veset my heart on the heaviest corded thing I can find, " whispered Kittyas they went rustling by the long counters strewn with all that coulddelight the feminine eye and tempt the feminine pocket. 

"Isn't that opal the loveliest thing you ever saw? I'm afraid I'm toodark to wear it, but it would just suit you. You'll need a variety, youknow, " added Kitty in a significant aside as Rose stood among the whitesilks while her companion affected great interest in the delicate hueslaid 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 severaltimes already and must have a new one whether you need it or not. Dearme! If I had as much pocket money as you have, I'd come out in a freshtoilet at every party I went to, " answered Kitty, casting an envious eyeupon the rainbow piles before her. 

The quick-witted shopman saw that a wedding was afoot, for when twopretty girls whisper, smile, and blush over their shopping, clerksscent bridal finery and a transient gleam of interest brightens theirimperturbable countenances and lends a brief energy to languid voicesweary with crying, "Cash!" Gathering both silks with a practiced turnof the hand, he held them up for inspection, detecting at a glance whichwas the bride-elect and which the friend, for Kitty fell back to studythe effect of silvery white folds with an absorbing interest impossibleto mistake while Rose sat looking at the opal as if she scarcely heard abland 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 hadlately uttered, laughed at then, but thought over more than once since. 

"I'm tired of hearing people wonder why Miss Campbell does not dressmore. Simplicity is all very well for schoolgirls and women who can'tafford anything better, but you can, and you really ought. Your thingsare pretty enough in their way, and I rather like you to have a styleof your own, but it looks odd and people will think you are mean ifyou 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 togetting up ravishing costumes. "

Much more to the same effect did her aunt say, discussing the subjectquite artistically and unconsciously appealing to several of Rose'sruling passions. One was a love for the delicate fabrics, colors, andornaments which refined tastes enjoy and whose costliness keeps themfrom ever growing common; another, her strong desire to please the eyesof those she cared for and gratify their wishes in the smallest matterif she could. And last, but not least, the natural desire of a young andpretty woman to enhance the beauty which she so soon discovers to be hermost potent charm for the other sex, her passport to a high place amongher maiden peers. 

She had thought seriously of surprising and delighting everyone byappearing in a costume which should do justice to the loveliness whichwas so modest that it was apt to forget itself in admiring others whatgirls call a "ravishing" dress, such as she could imagine and easilyprocure by the magic of the Fortunatus' purse in her pocket. Shehad planned it all, the shimmer of pale silk through lace like wovenfrostwork, ornaments of some classic pattern, and all the daintyaccessories as perfect as time, taste, and money could make them. 

She knew that Uncle Alec's healthful training had given her a figurethat could venture on any fashion and Nature blessed her with acomplexion that defied all hues. So it was little wonder that she felta strong desire to use these gifts, not for the pleasure of display, butto seem fair in the eyes that seldom looked at her without a tender sortof admiration, all the more winning when no words marred the involuntaryhomage women love. 

These thoughts were busy in Rose's mind as she sat looking at the lovelysilk and wondering what Charlie would say if she should some night burstupon him in a pale rosy cloud, like the Aurora to whom he often likenedher. She knew it would please him very much and she longed to do all shehonestly could to gratify the poor fellow, for her tender heart alreadyfelt some remorseful pangs, remembering how severe she had been thenight before. She could not revoke her words, because she meant themevery one, but she might be kind and show that she did not wholly shuthim out from her regard by asking him to go with her to Kitty's balland gratify his artistic taste by a lovely costume. A very girlish butkindly plan, for that ball was to be the last of her frivolities, soshe wanted it to be a pleasant one and felt that "being friends" withCharlie would add much to her enjoyment. 

This idea made her fingers tighten on the gleaming fabric so temptinglyupheld, and she was about to take it when, "If ye please, sir, wouldye kindly tell me where I'd be finding the flannel place?" said a voicebehind her, and, glancing up, she saw a meek little Irishwoman lookingquite lost and out of place among the luxuries around her. 

"Downstairs, turn to the left, " was the clerk's hasty reply, with avague wave of the hand which left the inquirer more in the dark thanever. 

Rose saw the woman's perplexity and said kindly, "I'll show you thisway. "

"I'm ashamed to be throublin' ye, miss, but it's strange I am in it, andwouldn't be comin' here at all, at all, barrin' they tould me I'd getthe bit I'm wantin' chaper in this big shop than the little ones morebecomin' the like o' me, " explained the little woman humbly. 

Rose looked again as she led the way through a well-dressed crowd ofbusy shoppers, and something in the anxious, tired face under the oldwoolen hood the bare, purple hands holding fast a meager wallet and afaded scrap of the dotted flannel little children's frocks are so oftenmade of touched the generous heart that never could see want withoutan 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'smotherly prattle about "me baby" and the "throuble" it was to "findclothes for the growin' childer when me man is out av work and thebit and sup inconvaynient these hard times" as they descended to thatdarksome lower world where necessities take refuge when luxuries crowdthem out from the gayer place above. 

The presence of a lady made Mrs. Sullivan's shopping very easy now, andher one poor "bit" of flannel grew miraculously into yards of severalcolors, since the shabby purse was no lighter when she went away, wipingher eyes on the corner of a big, brown bundle. A very little thing, andno one saw it but a wooden-faced clerk, who never told, yet it did Rosegood and sent her up into the light again with a sober face, thinkingself-reproachfully, "What right have I to more gay gowns when some poorbabies have none, or to spend time making myself fine while there is somuch bitter want in the world?"

Nevertheless the pretty things were just as tempting as ever, and sheyearned for the opal silk with a renewed yearning when she got back. Itis not certain that it would not have been bought in spite of her betterself if a good angel in the likeness of a stout lady with silvery curlsabout the benevolent face, enshrined in a plain bonnet, had not accostedher 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 gladto save myself a journey or a note, " began the newcomer in a low tone asRose shook hands with the most affectionate respect. "You know the greatbox factory was burned a day or two ago and over a hundred girls thrownout of work. Some were hurt and are in the hospital, many have no homesto go to, and nearly all need temporary help of some sort. We've hadso many calls this winter I hardly know which way to turn, for want ispressing, and I've had my finger in so many purses I'm almost ashamedto ask again. Any little contribution ah, thank you, I was sure youwouldn't fail me, my good child, " and Mrs. Gardener warmly pressed thehand that went so quickly into the little porte-monnaie and came out sogenerously filled. 

"Let me know how else I can help, and thank you very much for allowingme to have a share in your good works, " said Rose, forgetting allabout gay gowns as she watched the black bonnet go briskly away with anapproving 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 sorapidly changed hands. 

"I believe if Mrs. Gardener asked me for my head I should give it toher, " answered Rose lightly, then, turning to the silks, she asked, "Which have you decided upon, the yellow white or the blue, the cordedor the striped?"

"I've decided nothing; except that you are to have the pink and wear itat my ahem! ball, " said Kitty, who had made up her mind, but could notgive her orders till Mama had been consulted. 

"No, I can't afford it just yet. I never overstep my allowance, and Ishall have to if I get any more finery. Come, we ought not to waste timehere if you have all the patterns you want. " And Rose walked quicklyaway, glad that it was out of her power to break through two resolutionswhich hitherto had been faithfully kept one to dress simply forexample'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 ofsmall temptations to Rose. After she had set Kitty down at home and beento see her new houses, she drove about doing various errands for theaunts 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 hoveredmothlike about the forbidden light. Being the most eligible parti of theseason, his regard was considered a distinction to be proud of, and Rosehad 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 sorespectfully to Dr. Alec because he had no need of the heiress and hadsincerely loved Rose. He had been away, and she hoped had gotten overhis 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 notforgotten 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 thewilds of Canada a sable-lined overcoat which was the envy of everymasculine and the admiration of every feminine friend he had, and as hestood at her carriage window Rose knew that this luxurious garmentand its stalwart wearer were objects of interest to the passersby. Itchanced that the tide of shoppers flowed in that direction and, as shechatted, familiar faces often passed with glances, smiles, and nods ofvarying curiosity, significance, and wonder. 

She could not help feeling a certain satisfaction in giving him amoment's pleasure, since she could do no more, but it was not thatamiable desire alone which made her ignore the neat white parcels whichthe druggist's boy deposited on the front seat and kept her lingering alittle longer to enjoy one of the small triumphs which girls often riskmore than a cold in the head to display. The sight of several snowflakeson the broad shoulders which partially obstructed her view, as well asthe rapidly increasing animation of Pemberton's chat, reminded her thatit was high time to go. 

"I mustn't keep you it is beginning to storm, " she said, taking up hermuff, much to old Jacob's satisfaction, for small talk is not excitingto a hungry man whose nose feels like an icicle. 

"Is it? I thought the sun was shining. " And the absorbed gentlemanturned to the outer world with visible reluctance, for it looked verywarm 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 pensivesuddenly as he answered, with a longing look, "I wish I could. " Then, smiling gratefully, he added, "Thank you for giving me a little ofyours. "

"You are very welcome. " And Rose offered him her hand while her eyesmutely asked pardon for withholding her leave to keep it. 

He pressed it silently and, shouldering the umbrella which he forgot toopen, turned away with an "up again and take another" expression, whichcaused the soft eyes to follow him admiringly. 

"I ought not to have kept him a minute longer than I could help, for itwasn't all pity; it was my foolish wish to show off and do as I likedfor a minute, to pay for being good about the gown. Oh, me! How weakand silly I am in spite of all my trying!" And Miss Campbell fell into aremorseful reverie, which lasted till she got home. 

"Now, young man, what brought you out in this driving storm?" asked Roseas Jamie came stamping in that same afternoon. 

"Mama sent you a new book thought you'd like it. I don't mind yourold storms!" replied the boy, wrestling his way out of his coat andpresenting a face as round and red and shiny as a well-polished Baldwinapple. 

"Much obliged it is just the day to enjoy it and I was longing forsomething nice to read, " said Rose as Jamie sat down upon the lowerstair 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 dismayedexpression of countenance. 

"Never mind, I'll hunt up something else. Let me help you with thoseyour hands are so cold. " And Rose good-naturedly gave a tug at the bootswhile Jamie clutched the banisters, murmuring somewhat incoherentlyas his legs flew up and down: "I'll go back if you want me to. I'm sosorry! It's very good of you, I'm sure. Getting these horrid things onmade me forget. Mother would make me wear 'em, though I told her they'dstick like like gumdrops, " he added, inspired by recollections ofcertain dire disappointments when the above-mentioned sweetmeat meltedin 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, butyou can't throw worth a cent, " replied Jamie, gamboling down the hallin his slippers and producing a ball from some of the mysteriousreceptacles in which boys have the art of storing rubbish enough to filla peck measure. 

Of course Rose agreed and cheerfully risked getting her eyes blackenedand her fingers bruised till her young receptor gratefully observed that"it was no fun playing where you had to look out for windows and jarsand things, so I'd like that jolly book about Captain Nemo and theNautilus, please. "

Being gratified, he spread himself upon the couch, crossed his legs inthe air, and without another word dived Twenty Thousand LeaguesUnder the Sea, where he remained for two mortal hours, to the generalsatisfaction of his relatives. 

Bereft both of her unexpected playfellow and the much desired book, Rosewent into the parlor, there to discover a French novel which Kittyhad taken from a library and left in the carriage among the bundles. Settling herself in her favorite lounging chair, she read as diligentlyas Jamie while the wind howled and snow fell fast without. 

For an hour nothing disturbed the cozy quiet of the house for AuntPlenty was napping upstairs and Dr. Alec writing in his own sanctum; atleast Rose thought so, till his step made her hastily drop the book andlook up with very much the expression she used to wear when caught inmischief years ago. 

"Did I startle you? Have a screen you are burning your face before thishot fire. " And Dr. Alec pulled one forward. 

"Thank you, Uncle. I didn't feel it. " And the color seemed to deepen inspite 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 itif you can spare it for a moment, " he said, leaning toward her with aninquiring glance. 

"No, sir, I am reading. " And, without mentioning the name, Rose put thebook into his hand. 

The instant his eye fell on the title he understood the look she woreand knew what "mischief" she had been in. He knit his brows, then smiled, because it was impossible to help it Rose looked soconscience-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 aboutthis. "

"Not a very good world, I fancy, if you were afraid or ashamed to befound in it. Where did this come from?" asked Dr. Alec, surveyingthe book with great disfavor. Rose told him, and added slowly, "Iparticularly wanted to read it, and fancied I might, because you didwhen 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 andfound 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, thenlooked up and answered honestly, "Yes, I do, but can't explain it, except that I know something must be wrong, because I blushed andstarted when you came in. "

"Exactly. " And the doctor gave an emphatic nod, as if the symptomspleased him. 

"But I really don't see any harm in the book so far. It is by a famousauthor, wonderfully well written, as you know, and the characters solifelike that I feel as if I should really meet them somewhere. "

"I hope not!" ejaculated the doctor, shutting the book quickly, as if tokeep the objectionable beings from escaping. 

Rose laughed, but persisted in her defense, for she did want to finishthe absorbing story, yet would not without leave. 

"I have read French novels before, and you gave them to me. Not many, tobe sure, but the best, so I think I know what is good and shouldn't likethis if it was harmful. "

Her uncle's answer was to reopen the volume and turn the leaves aninstant 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. Youused to like that try it again. "

Rose obeyed and went glibly down a page, doing her best to give thesense in her purest English. Presently she went more slowly, thenskipped a sentence here and there, and finally stopped short, looking asif she needed a screen again. 

"What's the matter?" asked her uncle, who had been watching her with aserious eye. 

"Some phrases are untranslatable, and it only spoils them to try. Theyare 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 toprove the contested point. 

"Ah, my dear, if the fine phrases won't bear putting into honestEnglish, the thoughts they express won't bear putting into your innocentmind! That chapter is the key to the whole book, and if you had been ledup, or rather down, to it artfully and artistically, you might haveread it to yourself without seeing how bad it is. All the worse for theundeniable talent which hides the evil so subtly and makes the danger sodelightful. "

He paused a moment, then added with an anxious glance at the book, overwhich she was still bending, "Finish it if you choose only remember, mygirl, that one may read at forty what is unsafe at twenty, and that wenever can be too careful what food we give that precious yet perilousthing called imagination. "

And taking his Review, he went away to look over a learned article whichinterested him much less than the workings of a young mind nearby. 

Another long silence, broken only by an occasional excited bounce fromJamie when the sociable cuttlefish looked in at the windows or theNautilus scuttled a ship or two in its terrific course. A bell rang, andthe doctor popped his head out to see if he was wanted. It was only amessage for Aunt Plenty, and he was about to pop in again when his eyewas 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 bringher book from Mama, so I shall go and get it as soon as ever I've donethis, " replied Jamie from his nest. 

As the volume in his hands was a corpulent one, and Jamie only a thirdof the way through, Dr. Alec thought Rose's prospect rather doubtfuland, slipping the parcel into his pocket, he walked away, saying with asatisfied air: "Virtue doesn't always get rewarded, but it shall be thistime if I can do it. "

More than half an hour afterward, Rose woke from a little nap and foundthe various old favorites with which she had tried to solace herselfreplaced by the simple, wholesome story promised by Aunt Jessie. 

"Good boy! I'll go and thank him, " she said half aloud, jumping up, wideawake and much pleased. 

But she did not go, for just then she spied her uncle standing on therug warming his hands with a generally fresh and breezy look about himwhich 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 gratifya wish of mine?" she cried, taking both the cold hands in hers with atenderly reproachful glance from the storm without to the ruddy faceabove her. 

"Because, having taken away your French bonbons with the poisonous coloron them, I wanted to get you something better. Here it is, all puresugar, the sort that sweetens the heart as well as the tongue and leavesno bad taste behind. "

"How good you are to me! I don't deserve it, for I didn't resisttemptation, though I tried. Uncle, after I'd put the book away, Ithought I must just see how it ended, and I'm afraid I should have readit all if it had not been gone, " said Rose, laying her face down on thehands she held as humbly as a repentant child. 

But Uncle Alec lifted up the bent head and, looking into the eyes thatmet his frankly, though either held a tear, he said, with the energythat always made his words remembered: "My little girl, I would face adozen storms far worse than this to keep your soul as stainless as snow, for it is the small temptations which undermine integrity unless wewatch and pray and never think them too trivial to be resisted. "

Some people would consider Dr. Alec an overcareful man, but Rose feltthat he was right, and when she said her prayers that night, added ameek petition to be kept from yielding to three of the small temptationswhich 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 onelittle sigh of regret as she put on the pale blue silk refreshed withclouds of gaze de Chambéry. But a smile followed, very bright and sweet, as she added the clusters of forget-me-not which Charlie had conjuredup through the agency of an old German florist, for one part of her planhad been carried out, and Prince was invited to be her escort, muchto his delight, though he wisely made no protestations of any sort andshowed his gratitude by being a model gentleman. This pleased Rose, forthe late humiliation and a very sincere desire to atone for it gave himan air of pensive dignity which was very effective. 

Aunt Clara could not go, for a certain new cosmetic, privately used toimprove the once fine complexion, which had been her pride till latehours impaired it, had brought out an unsightly eruption, reducing herto the depths of woe and leaving her no solace for her disappointmentbut the sight of the elegant velvet dress spread forth upon her bed inmelancholy state. 

So Aunt Jessie was chaperon, to Rose's great satisfaction, and looked as"pretty as a pink, " Archie thought, in her matronly pearl-colored gownwith a dainty trifle of rich lace on her still abundant hair. He wasvery proud of his little mama, and as devoted as a lover, "to keep hishand in against Phebe's return, " she said laughingly when he brought hera nosegay of blush roses to light up her quiet costume. 

A happier mother did not live than Mrs. Jessie as she sat contentedlybeside Sister Jane (who graced the frivolous scene in a serious blackgown with a diadem of purple asters nodding above her severe brow), bothwatching their boys with the maternal conviction that no other parentcould show such remarkable specimens as these. Each had done her bestaccording to her light, and years of faithful care were now beginning tobear fruit in the promise of goodly men, so dear to the hearts of truemothers. 

Mrs. Jessie watched her three tall sons with something like wonder, for Archie was a fine fellow, grave and rather stately, but full of thecordial courtesy and respect we see so little of nowadays and which isthe sure sign of good home training. "The cadets, " as Will and Geordiecalled themselves, were there as gorgeous as you please, and the agoniesthey suffered that night with tight boots and stiff collars no pen canfitly tell. But only to one another did they confide these sufferingsand the rare moments of repose when they could stand on one aching footwith heads comfortably sunken inside the excruciating collars, whichrasped their ears and made the lobes thereof a pleasing scarlet. Briefwere these moments, however, and the Spartan boys danced on with smilingfaces, undaunted by the hidden anguish which preyed upon them "fore andaft, " as Will expressed it. 

Mrs. Jane's pair were an odd contrast, and even the stern disciplinarianherself could not help smiling as she watched them. Steve wassuperb, and might have been married on the spot, so superfine was hisbroad-cloth, glossy his linen, and perfect the fit of his gloves. Whilepride and happiness so fermented in his youthful bosom, there would havebeen danger of spontaneous combustion if dancing had not proved a safetyvalve, for his strong sense of the proprieties would not permit him tovent 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 andcream color and every hair on her head curled in a Merry Pecksniffiancrop, for youth was her strong point, and she much enjoyed the fact thatshe had been engaged three times before she was nineteen. 

To see her and Steve spin around the room was a sight to bring a smileto the lips of the crustiest bachelor or saddest spinster, for happylovers are always a pleasing spectacle, and two such merry little grigsas these are seldom seen. 

Mac, meantime, with glasses astride his nose, surveyed his brother'sperformances "on the light fantastic" very much as a benevolentNewfoundland would the gambols of a toy terrier, receiving with thanksthe hasty hints for his guidance which Steve breathed into his ear ashe passed and forgetting all about them the next minute. When not thusengaged Mac stood about with his thumbs in his vest pockets, regardingthe lively crowd like a meditative philosopher of a cheerful aspect, often smiling to himself at some whimsical fancy of his own, knittinghis brows as some bit of ill-natured gossip met his ear, or staring withundisguised 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 sheever fully appreciates it, " said Mrs. Jane, bringing her spectacles tobear upon Kitty as she whisked by, causing quite a gale with her flyingskirts. 

"I think she will, for Steve has been so well brought up, she cannot butsee and feel the worth of what she has never had, and being so young shewill profit by it, " answered Mrs. Jessie softly, thinking of the dayswhen she and her Jem danced together, just betrothed. 

"I've done my duty by both the boys, and done it thoroughly, or theirfather would have spoilt them, for he's no more idea of discipline thana child. " And Aunt Jane gave her own palm a smart rap with her closedfan, emphasizing the word "thoroughly" in a most suggestive manner. 

"I've often wished I had your firmness, Jane but after all, I'm not surethat I don't like my own way best, at least with my boys, for plenty oflove, and plenty of patience, seem to have succeeded pretty well. "And Aunt Jessie lifted the nosegay from her lap, feeling as if thatunfailing love and patience were already blooming into her life asbeautifully as the sweet-breathed roses given by her boy refreshed andbrightened these long hours of patient waiting in a corner. 

"I don't deny that you've done well, Jessie, but you've been let aloneand had no one to hold your hand or interfere. If my Mac had gone to seaas your Jem did, I never should have been as severe as I am. Men are soperverse and shortsighted, they don't trouble about the future as longas 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 liveseven before they are born, and are very apt to be disappointed if theydo not turn out as we planned. I know I am yet I really have no cause tocomplain and am learning to see that all we can do is to give the dearboys good principles and the best training we may, then leave themto finish what we have begun. " And Mrs. Jessie's eye wandered away toArchie, dancing with Rose, quite unconscious what a pretty little castlein the air tumbled down when he fell in love with Phebe. 

"Right, quite right on that point we agree exactly. I have sparednothing to give my boys good principles and good habits, and I amwilling to trust them anywhere. Nine times did I whip my Steve to curehim of fibbing, and over and over again did Mac go without his dinnerrather than wash his hands. But I whipped and starved them both intoobedience, and now I have my reward, " concluded the "stern parent" witha 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 forwhich the boys suffered had gotten a little mixed in their result, forfibbing Steve was now the tidy one, and careless Mac the truth teller. But such small contradictions will happen in the best-regulatedfamilies, and all perplexed parents can do is to keep up a steadfastpreaching and practicing in the hope that it will bear fruit sometime, for according to an old proverb, Children pick up words as pigeonspease, To utter them again as God shall please. 

"I hope they won't dance the child to death among them, for each oneseems bound to have his turn, even your sober Mac, " said Mrs. Jessie afew minutes later as she saw Archie hand Rose over to his cousin, whocarried 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 anage 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 takegreat 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 philosophersshould not marry and brought up Plato as an example of the serenewisdom to be attained only by a single man while her husband sided withSocrates, for whom he felt a profound sympathy, though he didn't dare toown it. 

"Well, I don't know about that. Since my Archie surprised me by losinghis heart as he did, I'm prepared for anything, and advise you to dolikewise. I really shouldn't wonder if Mac did something remarkable inthat 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 throwherself away on a handsome scapegrace. I won't mention names, but youunderstand me. " And Mrs. Jane shook her head, as if she could mentionthe name of one superior girl who had thrown herself away and now sawthe folly of it. 

"I'm very anxious, of course, and so is Alec, but it may be the savingof one party and the happiness of the other, for some women love to givemore than they receive, " said Mrs. Jessie, privately wondering, forthe thousandth time, why brother Mac ever married the learned MissHumphries. 

"You'll see that it won't prosper, and I shall always maintain that awife cannot entirely undo a mother's work. Rose will have her handsfull if she tries to set all Clara's mistakes right, " answered Aunt Janegrimly, then began to fan violently as their hostess approached to havea 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 drollsubject. 

"Oh, Mac! Annabel has just confided to me that she is engaged to FunSee! Think of her going to housekeeping in Canton someday and having toorder 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 wasamusing about the Chinese sage. "It is rather alarming, though, to havethese infants going on at this rate. Seems to be catching, a new sort ofscarlet 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 marryingyear, 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 hislong legs out of the man-traps. 

"It doesn't look like a painful disease, but I must be careful, forI've no time to be ill now. What are the symptoms?" asked Mac, tryingto combine business with pleasure and improve his mind while doing hisduty. 

"If you ever come back I'll tell you, " laughed Rose as he danced awayinto the wrong corner, bumped smartly against another gentleman, andreturned as soberly as if that was the proper figure. 

"Well, tell me 'how not to do it, '" he said, subsiding for a moment'stalk when Rose had floated to and fro in her turn. 

"Oh! You see some young girl who strikes you as particularly charmingwhether she really is or not doesn't matter a bit and you begin tothink about her a great deal, to want to see her, and to get generallysentimental and absurd, " began Rose, finding it difficult to give adiagnosis of the most mysterious disease under the sun. 

"Don't think it sounds enticing. Can't I find an antidote somewhere, forif 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 hesuspected that she had a little trouble from a hint Dr. Alec had givenhim. 

"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 handsfull?"

"I'll help, but really with Archie and Steve and Charlie, I shall haveenough to do. You'd better take it lightly the first time, and so won'tneed much care. "

"Very well, how shall I begin? Enlighten my ignorance and start meright, I beg. "

"Go about and see people, make yourself agreeable, and not sit incorners observing other people as if they were puppets dancing for youramusement. I heard Mrs. Van once say that propinquity works wonders, andshe ought to know, having married off two daughters, and just engaged athird 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 mylife, " said Mac, gently catching her round the waist for a generalwaltz. 

"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, forI love to waltz and seldom get a good turn except with you boys, " saidRose, smiling up at him approvingly as his strong arm guided her amongthe revolving couples and his feet kept time without a fault. 

"This certainly is a great improvement on the chair business, to whichI have devoted myself with such energy that I've broken the backs of twopartners and dislocated the arm of the old rocker. I took an occasionalturn with that heavy party, thinking it good practice in case I everhappen to dance with stout ladies. " And Mac nodded toward Annabel, pounding gaily with Mr. Tokio, whose yellow countenance beamed as hisbeady eyes rested on his plump fiancée. 

Pausing in the midst of her merriment at the image of Mac and the oldrocking chair, Rose said reprovingly, "Though a heathen Chinee, Fun putsyou to shame, for he did not ask foolish questions but went a-wooinglike a sensible little man, and I've no doubt Annabel will be veryhappy. "

"Choose me a suitable divinity and I will try to adore. Can I do morethan that to retrieve my character?" answered Mac, safely landing hispartner and plying the fan according to instructions. 

"How would Emma do?" inquired Rose, whose sense of the ludicrous wasstrong and who could not resist the temptation of horrifying Mac by thesuggestion. 

"Never! It sets my teeth on edge to look at her tonight. I suppose thatdress is 'a sweet thing just out, ' but upon my word she reminds me ofnothing but a Harlequin ice, " and Mac turned his back on her with ashudder, for he was sensitive to discords of all kinds. 

"She certainly does, and that mixture of chocolate, pea green, and pinkis simply detestable, though many people would consider it decidedly'chic, ' to use her favorite word. I suppose you will dress your wifelike a Spartan matron of the time of Lycurgus, " added Rose, much tickledby his new conceit. 

"I'll wait till I get her before I decide. But one thing I'm sure of sheshall not dress like a Greek dancer of the time of Pericles, " answeredMac, regarding with great disfavor a young lady who, having a statuesquefigure, affected drapery of the scanty and clinging description. 

"Then it is of no use to suggest that classic creature, so as you rejectmy first attempts, I won't go on but look about me quietly, and you hadbetter do the same. Seriously, Mac, more gaiety and less study would doyou good, for you will grow old before your time if you shut yourself upand pore over books so much. "

"I don't believe there is a younger or a jollier-feeling fellow in theroom 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 ofintemperance, and a library is as irresistible to me as a barroom to atoper. I shall have to sign a pledge and cork up the only bottle thattempts me my ink-stand. "

"I'll tell you how to make it easier to abstain. Stop studying and writea novel into which you can put all your wise things, and so clear yourbrains for a new start by and by. Do I should so like to read it, " criedRose, delighted with the project, for she was sure Mac could do anythinghe liked in that line. 

"First live, then write. How can I go to romancing till I know whatromance means?" he asked soberly, feeling that so far he had had verylittle in his life. 

"Then you must find out, and nothing will help you more than to lovesomeone very much. Do as I've advised and be a modern Diogenes goingabout with spectacles instead of a lantern in search, not of an honestman, but a perfect woman. I do hope you will be successful. " And Rosemade her curtsey as the dance ended. 

"I don't expect perfection, but I should like one as good as they evermake them nowadays. If you are looking for the honest man, I wish yousuccess in return, " said Mac, relinquishing her fan with a glance ofsuch sympathetic significance that a quick flush of feeling rose to thegirl's face as she answered very low, "If honesty was all I wanted, Icertainly have found it in you. "

Then she went away with Charlie, who was waiting for his turn, and Macroamed about, wondering if anywhere in all that crowd his future wifewas hidden, saying to himself, as he glanced from face to face, quiteunresponsive 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 torepair damages and, being friends, they fell into discourse as theysmoothed their locks and had their tattered furbelows sewed or pinned upby the neat-handed Phillis-in-waiting. 

When each had asked the other, "How do I look tonight, dear?" and beenanswered with reciprocal enthusiasm, "Perfectly lovely, darling!" Kittysaid to Rose, who was helping her to restore order out of the chaos towhich much exercise had reduced her curls: "By the way, young Randal isdying 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 displeasedbut not surprised. 

"I think you do, else why didn't you present him when he asked? Youseldom 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'dsay 'no, ' but I couldn't tell him so, " stammered Kitty, feeling that shehad better have settled the matter herself, for Rose was very particularand had especial reason to dislike this person because he was not only adissipated young reprobate himself but seemed possessed of Satan to leadothers astray likewise. 

"I don't wish to be rude, dear, but I really must decline, for I cannotknow such people, even though I meet them here, " said Rose, rememberingCharlie's revelations on New Year's night and hardening her heartagainst the man who had been his undoing on that as well as on otheroccasions, she had reason to believe. 

"I couldn't help it! Old Mr. Randal and Papa are friends, and though Ispoke 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 betterthan 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 attheir bachelor parties. "

"She ought not to have brought him till he had shown some desire tomend his ways. It is none of my business, I know, but I do wish peoplewouldn't be so inconsistent, letting boys go to destruction and thenexpecting us girls to receive them like decent people. " Rose spoke inan energetic whisper, but Annabel heard her and exclaimed, as she turnedround with a powder puff in her hand: "My goodness, Rose! What is allthat about going to destruction?"

"She is being strong-minded, and I don't very much blame her in thiscase. But it leaves me in a dreadful scrape, " said Kitty, supporting herspirits with a sniff of aromatic vinegar. 

"I appeal to you, since you heard me, and there's no one here butourselves do you consider young Randal a nice person to know?" And Roseturned to Annabel and Emma with an anxious eye, for she did not find iteasy to abide by her principles when so doing annoyed friends. 

"No, indeed, he's perfectly horrid! Papa says he and Gorham are thewildest young men he knows, and enough to spoil the whole set. I'm soglad I've got no brothers, " responded Annabel, placidly powdering herpink arms, quite undeterred by the memory of sundry white streaks lefton sundry coat sleeves. 

"I think that sort of scrupulousness is very ill-bred, if you'll excusemy 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 fussyand prudish, " said Emma, settling her many-colored streamers with thesuperior air of a woman of the world, aged twenty. 

"Ah! But we do know, and if our silence and civility have no effect, weought to try something else and not encourage wickedness of any kind. Weneedn't scold and preach, but we can refuse to know such people and thatwill do some good, for they don't like to be shunned and shut out fromrespectable society. Uncle Alec told me not to know that man, and Iwon't. " Rose spoke with unusual warmth, forgetting that she could nottell the real reason for her strong prejudice against "that man. "

"Well, I know him. I think him very jolly, and I'm engaged to dancethe German with him after supper. He leads quite as well as your cousinCharlie and is quite as fascinating, some people think, " returned Emma, tossing her head disdainfully, for Prince Charming did not worship ather shrine and it piqued her vanity. 

In spite of her quandary, Rose could not help smiling as she recalledMac's comparison, for Emma turned so red with spiteful chagrin, sheseemed to have added strawberry ice to the other varieties composing theHarlequin. 

"Each must judge for herself. I shall follow Aunt Jessie's advice andtry to keep my atmosphere as pure as I can, for she says every woman hasher own little circle and in it can use her influence for good, if shewill. I do will heartily, and I'll prove that I'm neither proud norfussy by receiving, here or at home, any respectable man you like topresent to me, no matter how poor or plain or insignificant he may be. "

With which declaration Rose ended her protest, and the four damselsstreamed downstairs together like a wandering rainbow. But Kitty laidto heart what she had said; Annabel took credit herself for siding withher; and Emma owned that she was not trying to keep her atmosphere purewhen she came to dance with the objectionable Randal. So Rose's "littlecircle" was the better for the influence she tried to exert, althoughshe 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 frownwhen young Van beckoned him toward an anteroom, from whence the sound ofpopping corks had issued with increasing frequency as the evening woreon. 

"Dear fellow, he does try, " thought Rose, longing to show how sheadmired his self-denial, but she could only say, as they left the supperroom with the aunts, who were going early: "If I had not promised Uncleto get home as soon after midnight as possible, I'd stay and dance theGerman 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 thoughtthe Fra Angelico angel was not half so bright and beautiful as the onewho looked back at him out of a pale blue cloud as Rose went upstairs asif 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 AuntJane was still hunting a lost rubber above. 

"Please say I'm ready, but he needn't come if he doesn't want to, " saidRose, 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 isthere!" growled Mac to himself as he made his way to the small apartmentwhither the gentlemen retired for a little private refreshment when thespirit moved, as it often did. 

The door was ajar, and Charlie seemed to have just entered, for Macheard a familiar voice call out in a jovial tone: "Come, Prince! You'rejust 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, butI'm on duty and must go. "

"That's a new dodge. Take a stirrup cup anyway, and come back in timefor a merry-go-rounder when you've disposed of the ladies, " answered theyoung host, diving into the wine cooler for another bottle. 

"Charlie's going in for sanctity, and it doesn't seem to agree withhim, " laughed one of the two other young men who occupied several chairsapiece, 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 yourswill get you into trouble, " retorted Charlie, conscious that he oughtto take his own advice, yet lingering, nervously putting on his gloveswhile the glasses were being filled. 

"Now, brother-in-law, fire away! Here you are, Prince. " And Steve handeda glass across the table to his cousin, feeling too much elated withvarious pleasurable emotions to think what he was doing, for the boysall 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 thename had power to stop him in the very act of breaking the promise madeto himself. 

"Come, Solon, take a social drop, and give us an epithalamium in yourbest Greek. Here's to you!" And Steve was lifting the wine to his ownlips when Mac knocked the glass out of his hand with a flash of theeye that caused his brother to stare at him with his mouth open inan 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 thatmade 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 temptanother man beyond his strength or make a brute of himself. That's plainEnglish, but I can't help speaking out, for I know not one of you wouldwillingly 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 becivil in his own house, mustn't he?" asked Van good-humoredly as hefaced about, corkscrew in hand. 

"Yes, but it is not civil to urge or joke a guest into doing what youknow 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 alittle gamecock, for though he saw now what he had done and was ashamedof it, he hated to have Mac air his peculiar notions before otherpeople. 

"With excitement, not champagne, I hope, for I wouldn't own you if youwere, " answered Mac, in whom indignation was effervescing like the winein the forgotten bottle, for the men were all young, friends of Steve'sand 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 mylife I couldn't help it when I heard what you were saying and saw whatSteve was doing. Since I have begun, I may as well finish and tell youstraight out that Prince can't stand this sort of thing. He is tryingto flee temptation, and whoever leads him into it does a cowardlyand 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 neverhave to reproach yourselves with the knowledge that you helped to ruin afellow creature, soul and body. "

It was well for the success of Mac's first crusade that his hearerswere gentlemen and sober, so his outburst was not received with jeers orlaughter but listened to in silence, while the expression of the faceschanged from one of surprise to regret and respect, for earnestness isalways effective and championship of this sort seldom fails to touchhearts as yet unspoiled. As he paused with an eloquent little quiverin his eager voice, Van corked the bottle at a blow, threw down thecorkscrew, and offered Mac his hand, saying heartily, in spite of hisslang: "You are a first-class old brick! I'll lend a hand for one, anddo my best to back up Charlie, for he's the finest fellow I know, andshan't go to the devil like poor Randal if I can help it. "

Murmurs of applause from the others seemed to express a general assentto this vigorous statement, and, giving the hand a grateful shake, Macretreated to the door, anxious to be off now that he had freed his mindwith such unusual impetuosity. 

"Count on me for anything I can do in return for this, Van. I'm sorryto be such a marplot, but you can take it out in quizzing me after I'mgone. I'm fair game, and Steve can set you going. "

With that, Mac departed as abruptly as he had come, feeling that hehad "made a mess" of it, but comforting himself with the thought thatperhaps he had secured help for Charlie at his own expense and thinkingwith a droll smile as he went back to his mother: "My romance begins bylooking after other girls' lovers instead of finding a sweetheart formyself, 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 thistime, for nobody objected, everything seemed felicitous, and the courseof true love ran very smoothly for the young couple, who promised toremove the only obstacle to their union by growing old and wise as soonas possible. If he had not been so genuinely happy, the little lover'sairs would have been unbearable, for he patronized all mankind ingeneral, his brother and elder cousins in particular. 

"Now, that is the way to manage matters, " he declared, standing beforethe fire in Aunt Clara's billiard room a day or two after the ball, withhis hands behind his back. "No nonsense, no delay, no domestic rows ortragic separations. Just choose with taste and judgment, make yourselfagreeable through thick and thin, and when it is perfectly evident thatthe dear creature adores the ground you walk on, say the word like aman, and there you are. "

"All very easy to do that with a girl like Kitty, who has no confoundednotions to spoil her and trip you up every time you don't exactly toethe mark, " muttered Charlie, knocking the balls about as if it werea relief to hit something, for he was in a gloriously bad humor thatevening, because time hung heavy on his hands since he had forsworn thecompany he could not keep without danger to himself. 

"You should humor those little notions, for all women have them, and itneeds tact to steer clear of them. Kitty's got dozens, but I treat themwith respect, have my own way when I can, give in without growling whenI can't, and we get on like a couple of--"

"Spoons, " put in Charlie, who felt that he had not steered clear and sosuffered shipwreck in sight of land. 

Steve meant to have said "doves, " but his cousin's levity caused him toadd with calm dignity, "reasonable beings, " and then revenged himself bymaking a good shot which won him the game. 

"You always were a lucky little dog, Steve. I don't begrudge you aparticle of your happiness, but it does seem as if things weren't quitefair sometimes, " said Archie, suppressing an envious sigh, for, thoughhe seldom complained, it was impossible to contrast his own and hiscousin'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 upona divan reposing after a hard day's work. 

"Thank you, " said Archie, brightening a little, for a hopeful word fromany source was very comfortable. 

"That's your favorite Rip, isn't it? He was a wise old boy, but youcould find advice as good as that nearer home, " put in Steve, who justthen felt equal to slapping Plato on the shoulder, so elated was he atbeing 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 jiltedtwo men, and may a third, so you'd better not brag of your wisdom toosoon, for she may make a fool of you yet, " said Charlie, cynically, hisviews of life being very gloomy about this time. 

"No, she won't, Steve, if you do your part honestly. There's the makingof a good little woman in Kitty, and she has proved it by taking youinstead of those other fellows. You are not a Solomon, but you're notspoilt yet, and she had the sense to see it, " said Mac encouraginglyfrom his corner, for he and his brother were better friends than evensince the little scene at the Van Tassels'. 

"Hear! Hear!" cried Steve, looking more than ever like a cheerful youngcockerel trying to crow as he stood upon the hearth rug with his handsunder his coat tails, rising and falling alternately upon the toes andheels of his neat little boots. 

"Come, you've given them each a pat on the head haven't you got one forme? I need it enough, for if ever there was a poor devil born under anevil star, it is C. C. Campbell, " exclaimed Charlie, leaning his chin onhis cue with a discontented expression of countenance, for trying to begood is often very hard work till one gets used to it. 

"Oh, yes! I can accommodate you. " And, as if his words suggested theselection, Mac, still lying flat upon his back, repeated one of hisfavorite bits from Beaumont and Fletcher, for he had a wonderful memoryand 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, butsuspected that something was amiss, for Charlie had the blues, and Rose, though as kind as ever, expressed no surprise at his long absences. Theyhad all observed and wondered at this state of things, yet discreetlymade no remark till Steve, who was as inquisitive as a magpie, seizedthis opportunity to say in a friendly tone, which showed that he bore nomalice for the dark prophecy regarding his Kitty's faithfulness: "What'sthe trouble, Prince? You are so seldom in a bad humor that we don't knowwhat 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 likethemselves, which is lucky, but they do expect us to render an 'honestand a perfect man' sometimes, and that is asking rather too much in afallen 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 flatlycontradicted. 

"Well, I know this much, " added Mac, suddenly sitting up with his hairin a highly disheveled condition. "It is very unreasonable in us to askwomen to be saints and then expect them to feel honored when we offerthem our damaged hearts or, at best, one not half as good as theirs. Ifthey weren't blinded by love, they'd see what a mean advantage we takeof 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, muchamazed at this outburst. 

"I've begun, you see, and much good may it do you, " answered Mac, layinghimself placidly down again. 

"Well, but look here, man you are arguing on the wrong side, " put inArchie, quite agreeing with him, but feeling that he must stand by hisorder at all costs. 

"Never mind sides, uphold the right wherever you find it. You needn'tstare, 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 whatis going on around me than you imagine, and I'm getting on in this newbranch, let me tell you, quite as fast as is good for me, I daresay. "

"Going in for perfection, are you?" asked Charlie, both amused andinterested, for he respected Mac more than he owned even to himself, andthough 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 goodthings, 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 absentlypoking the fire, looked over at Mac as if he thanked him again, andSteve, forgetting his self-conceit, began to wonder if it was notpossible 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 whenlove stirs up the noblest impulses within them. To act rather than totalk 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 offhandway as he laughed and twirled his cue: "Do you intend to reach thehighest 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 somegood 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 whowill help me, as I shall try to help her, so that we can go on togetherand 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 inthis simple and sincere fashion, though he might have felt it far moredeeply, but being quite heart-free, he frankly showed his interest and, curiously enough, out of his wise young head unconsciously gave thethree lovers before him counsel which they valued, because he practicedwhat he preached. 

"Well, I hope you'll find her!" said Charlie heartily as he went back tohis game. 

"I think I shall. " And while the others played, Mac lay staring at thewindow curtain as contentedly as if, through it, he beheld "a dream offair women" from which to choose his future mate. 

A few days after this talk in the billiard room, Kitty went to call uponRose, for as she was about to enter the family she felt it her dutyto become acquainted with all its branches. This branch, however, shecultivated more assiduously than any other and was continually runningin to confer with "Cousin Rose, " whom she considered the wisest, dearest, kindest girl ever created. And Rose, finding that, in spiteof her flighty head, Kitty had a good heart of her own, did her best toencourage all the new hopes and aspirations springing up in it under thewarmth of the first genuine affection she had ever known. 

"My dear, I want to have some serious conversation with you upon asubject 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 thesubject was one which needed a firm grasp. 

"Tell away, and don't mind if I go on working, as I want to finish thisjob today, " answered Rose, with a long-handled paintbrush in her handand a great pair of shears at her side. 

"You are always so busy! What is it now? Let me help I can talk fasterwhen I'm doing something, " which seemed hardly possible, for Kitty'stongue 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 gaycambric then we just tie up a few pages with a ribbon and there is anice, light, durable book for the poor dears to look at as they lie intheir little beds. "

"A capital idea. Do you go there often? How ever do you find the timefor such things?" asked Kitty, busily cutting from a big sheet thetouching picture of a parent bird with a red head and a blue tailoffering what looked like a small boa constrictor to one of itsnestlings, a fat young squab with a green head, yellow body, and no tailat all. 

"I have plenty of time now I don't go out so much, for a party uses uptwo days generally one to prepare for it and one to get over it, youknow. "

"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 peculiarbringing-up. I always take your part and say it is a pity other girlshaven't as sensible an education, for I don't know one who is assatisfactory on the whole as you are. "

"Much obliged. You may also tell people I gave up gaiety because I valuehealth more. But I haven't forsworn everything of the kind, Kit. I goto concerts and lectures, and all sorts of early things, and have nicetimes at home, as you know. I like fun as well as ever, but I'm gettingon, you see, and must be preparing a little for the serious part oflife. One never knows when it may come, " said Rose, thoughtfully as shepasted 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, mydear, Steve has got that very idea into his head! Did you or Mac put itthere?" asked Kitty, industriously clashing her shears. 

"No, I've given up lecturing the boys lately they are so big now theydon'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, Ilike it. Now don't smile I really do and I want to be getting readyfor the 'serious part of life, ' as you call it. That is, I want to growbetter as fast as I can, for Steve says he isn't half good enough forme. Just think of that!"

Kitty looked so surprised and pleased and proud that Rose felt nodesire to laugh at her sudden fancy for sobriety but said in her mostsympathetic tone: "I'm very glad to hear it, for it shows that he lovesyou in the right way. "

"Is there more than one way?"

"Yes, I fancy so, because some people improve so much after they fall inlove, and others do not at all. Have you never observed that?"

"I never learned how to observe. Of course I know that some matches turnout 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 hada 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 overbooks, but as things come along you talk about them and remember, andwhen 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 toobusy, and Mama always says when I ask question, 'Don't trouble your headwith such things, child, ' so I don't. What did you learn about matchesturning out well? I'm interested in that, because I want mine to bequite 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'tsee what more is needed, " said Kitty wonderingly. 

"One should stop and see if it is a wise love, likely to help bothparties 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 gobeyond my wedding day in making plans. I remember, though, that when Iwas engaged the first time you don't know the man; it was just afteryou went away, and I was only sixteen someone very ill-naturedly said Ishould 'marry in haste and repent at leisure, ' and that made me try toimagine how it would seem to go on year after year with Gustavus who hada dreadful temper, by the way and it worried me so to think of it that Ibroke 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 atime, that you and Steve do not truly trust and respect as well as loveone another. If you don't, you'll be miserable when it is too late, asso many people are who do marry in haste and have a lifetime to repentit. Aunt Jessie says so, and she knows. "

"Don't be solemn, Rose. It fidgets me to think about life-times, andrespecting, and all those responsible things. I'm not used to it, and Idon't know how to do it. "

"But you must think, and you must learn how before you take theresponsibility upon yourself. That is what your life is for, and youmustn't spoil it by doing a very solemn thing without seeing if you areready for it. "

"Do you think about all this?" asked Kitty, shrugging up her shouldersas 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 puttinghimself in order generally, and so I want to do my part, and I mustbegin right away before my thoughts get distracted with clothes and allsorts 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 mindby reading something solid?" And Kitty looked over at the well-filledbookcase as if to see if it contained anything large and dry enough tobe considered "solid. "

"It would be an excellent plan, and we'll look up something. What do youfeel as if you needed most?"

"A little of everything I should say, for when I look into my mind therereally doesn't seem to be much there but odds and ends, and yet I'm sureI've read a great deal more than some girls do. I suppose novels don'tcount, though, and are of no use, for, goodness knows, the people andthings they describe aren't a bit like the real ones. "

"Some novels are very useful and do as much good as sermons, I've heardUncle say, because they not only describe truly, but teach so pleasantlythat people like to learn in that way, " said Rose, who knew the sort ofbooks Kitty had read and did not wonder that she felt rather astray whenshe tried to guide herself by their teaching. 

"You pick me out some of the right kind, and I'll apply my mind tothem. 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 ashousewives pull cotton or calico when they want "a good firm article. "

Rose could not help laughing now, though much pleased, for Kitty was soprettily in earnest, and yet so perfectly ignorant how to begin on theself-improvement she very much needed, that it was pathetic as well ascomical 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, forshe has very 'firm' ones, I assure you, " said Rose, sobering down asquickly 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 toget on when she is my mother-in-law I don't know!" cried Kitty, claspingher hands in dismay at the idea. 

"She isn't half as stern as she looks, and if you go to her withoutfear, you've no idea how sensible and helpful she is. I used to befrightened out of my wits with her, but now I'm not a bit, and we get onnicely. Indeed, I'm fond of her, she is so reliable and upright in allthings. "

"She certainly is the straightest woman I ever saw, and the mostprecise. I never shall forget how scared I was when Steve took me up tosee her that first time. I put on all my plainest things, did my hairin a meek knob, and tried to act like a sober, sedate young woman. Stevewould laugh at me and say I looked like a pretty nun, so I couldn't beas proper as I wished. Mrs. Mac was very kind, of course, but her eyewas so sharp I felt as if she saw right through me, and knew that I'dpinned on my bonnet strings, lost a button off my boot, and didn't brushmy hair for ten minutes every night, " said Kitty in an awe-strickentone. 

"She likes you, though, and so does Uncle, and he's set his heart onhaving you live with them by and by, so don't mind her eyes but lookstraight 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 girlsgenerally. Steve told me he said I had the 'making of a capital littlewoman in me. ' Wasn't it nice of him? Steve was so proud, though he doeslaugh at Mac sometimes. "

"Don't disappoint them, dear. Encourage Steve in all the good things helikes or wants, make friends with Mac, love Aunt Jane, and be a daughterto 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 knowI'm a little goose, but lately I've felt as if I might come to somethingif I had the right sort of help. I'll go up and see Aunt Jessietomorrow. I'm not a bit afraid of her, and then if you'll just quietlyfind out from Uncle Doctor what I must read, I'll work as hard as Ican. Don't tell anyone, please, they'll think it odd and affected, and Ican'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 askedrather timidly: "Are you and Charlie trying this plan too? Since you'veleft off going out so much, he keeps away also, and we don't know whatto make of it. "

"He has had what he calls an 'artistic fit' lately, set up a studio, andis 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 forSteve. He likes girls' faces and gets the likenesses wonderfully well. "

"People say you are engaged but I contradict it, because, of course, Ishould know if you were. "

"We are not. "

"I'm glad of it, for really, Rose, I'm afraid Charlie hasn't got 'firmprinciples, ' 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 didnot answer at once. 

"Not in the least, for you are one of us now, and I can speak franklyand I will, for I think in one way you can help Steve very much. Youare right about Charlie, both as to the principles and the fascination. Steve admires him exceedingly, and always from a boy liked to imitatehis pleasant ways. Some of them are very harmless and do Steve good, butsome are not. I needn't talk about it, only you must show your boy thatyou 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, Charliewill imitate him. I really begin to feel as if I had a great deal todo. " 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 welove. You wouldn't think now that Phebe was doing anything forArchie, but she is, and writes such splendid letters, they stir him upwonderfully 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 talkabout Charlie. 

"Nicely, for you know she used to sing in our choir, so that was a goodrecommendation for another. She got a fine place in the new church atL----, and that gives her a comfortable salary, though she has somethingput 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 sowell. 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, thoughwe don't get as much pity as they do, " sighed Kitty. "Nobody knows whatI suffer sometimes from worries that I can't talk about, and I shouldn'tget much sympathy if I did, just because I live in a big house, weargood gowns, and have lots of lovers. Annabel used to say she envied meabove all created beings, but she doesn't now, and is perfectly absorbedin 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, butwhen Kitty departed, after criticizing all her dear friends and theirrespective sweethearts, she had a helpful little book in her muff, aresolute expression on her bright face, and so many excellent plans forself-improvement in her busy brain that she and Steve bid fair to turnout 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 youngreformer, he rather overdid the matter, for in trying to keep out ofthe way of temptation, he denied himself much innocent enjoyment. The"artistic fit" was a good excuse for the seclusion which he fanciedwould be a proper penance, and he sat listlessly plying crayon orpaintbrush, with daily wild rides on black Brutus, which seemed to dohim good, for danger of that sort was his delight. 

People were used to his whims and made light of what they considered anew one, but when it lasted week after week and all attempts to draw himout were vain, his jolly comrades gave him up and the family beganto say approvingly, "Now he really is going to settle down and dosomething. " Fortunately, his mother let him alone, for though Dr. Alechad not "thundered in her ear" as he threatened, he had talked with herin 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 andshe would have had him put on sackcloth and ashes if that would havesecured the prize. She made light of the cause of Rose's displeasure, considering her extremely foolish and straitlaced, "for all young menof any spirit had their little vices, and came out well enough when thewild oats were sowed. " So she indulged Charlie in his new vagary, as shehad in all his others, and treated him like an ill-used being, which wasneither an inspiring nor helpful course on her part. Poor soul! She sawher 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 hasdone, quite unconscious how much stronger an undisciplined will is thanthe truest love, and what a difficult task the wisest find it to undothe mistakes of a bad education. But it was a hard thing to do, for atthe least hint of commendation or encouragement, he looked so hopefulthat 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 Charliewas "mortifying soul and body" to please her, she was studying how toserve 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 sucha serious face, that she was intent upon anything except taking, withpraiseworthy regularity, the constitutionals which gave her such acharming 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 asight of you, for he is so triste it breaks my heart to see him. He hasa new plan in his head, which strikes me as an excellent one, if youwill only favor it. Let him come and take you for a drive this fineafternoon and talk things over. It will do him a world of good anddeeply oblige

Your ever loving

AUNT CLARA. 

Rose read the note twice and stood a moment pondering, with her eyesabsently fixed on the little bay before her window. The sight of severalblack figures moving briskly to and fro across its frozen surface seemedto suggest a mode of escape from the drive she dreaded in more ways thanone. "That will be safer and pleasanter, " she said, and going to herdesk wrote her answer. 

DEAR AUNTY, I'm afraid of Brutus, but if Charlie will go skating withme, I should enjoy it very much and it would do us both good. I canlisten to the new plan with an undivided mind there, so give him mylove, please, and say I shall expect him at three. 

Affectionately, ROSE. 

Punctually at three Charlie appeared with his skates over his arm andwith a very contented face, which brightened wonderfully as Rose camedownstairs in a sealskin suit and scarlet skirt, so like the one shewore 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 likeold times I feel sixteen again. "

"That is just the way one ought to feel on such a day as this. Now letus be off and have a good spin before anyone comes. There are only a fewchildren there now, but it is Saturday, you know, and everybody will beout before long, " answered Rose, carefully putting on her mittens as shetalked, for her heart was not as light as the one little Rose carriedunder the brown jacket, and the boy of sixteen never looked at her withthe 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 childrenaround them, for the ice was in good condition, the February sunshinebrilliant, and the keen wind set their blood a-tingle with a healthfulglow. 

"Now tell me the plan your mother spoke of, " began Rose as they wentgliding across the wide expanse before them, for Charlie seemed to haveforgotten everything but the bliss of having her all to himself for alittle 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 planwas not a new one. 

"Really. You don't believe it, but I am, and mother means to go withme. We've had another letter from the governor, and he says if she can'tpart 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 wereface to face as she went backward and he held both of her hands to steerand steady her. 

"I like it immensely, and do believe it now only it rather takes mybreath away to think of Aunty's going, when she never would hear of itbefore. "

"She doesn't like the plan very well now and consents to go only on onecondition. "

"What is that?" asked Rose, trying to free her hands, for a look atCharlie 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 bechanged till you are ready, but if you go, I am willing to give upeverything else and live anywhere as long as you like. Why shouldn't youcome to us for a year or two? We've never had our share. Father would bedelighted, mother contented, and I the happiest man alive. "

"Who made this plan?" asked Rose as soon as she got the breath whichcertainly had been rather taken away by this entirely new and by nomeans agreeable scheme. 

"Mother suggested it I shouldn't have dared even to dream of suchrichness. I'd made up my mind to go alone, and when I told her, shewas in despair till this superb idea came into her head. After that, ofcourse, 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 eyesthat were fixed beseechingly on hers. 

They wavered and glanced aside, then met hers honestly yet full ofhumility, which made her own fall as he answered very low: "Because Idon'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, andit seems so mean to hide for fear of breaking my word. I will keep itthis 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 isworth 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 togive it up I never guessed what a grip it had on me. I thought it wasonly a habit, easy to drop when I liked, but it is stronger than I, andsometimes I feel as if possessed of a devil that will get the better ofme, try as I may. "

He dropped her hands abruptly as he said that, with the energy ofdespair; 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 ofthe earth" to escape the enemy within himself. 

Rose stood still, appalled by this sudden knowledge of how much greaterthe evil was than she had dreamed. What ought she to do? Go with hercousin, and by so doing tacitly pledge herself as his companion on thatlonger journey for which he was as yet so poorly equipped? Both heartand conscience protested against this so strongly that she put thethought away. But compassion pleaded for him tenderly, and the spirit ofself-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 bothto him and to herself?

Before this question could be answered, he was back again, looking as ifhe had left his care behind him, for his moods varied like the wind. Herattitude, as she stood motionless and alone with downcast face, was sounlike the cheerful creature who came to meet him an hour ago, it filledhim with self-reproach, and, coming up, he drew one hand through hisarm, saying, as she involuntarily followed him, "You must not standstill. 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 knewappeal 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 yourparents. 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 givethat up, I hope?"

"No I must go somewhere, for I can't stay here, and it may as well beIndia, since that pleases Father, " answered Charlie doggedly. 

"It will more than you can imagine. Tell him all the truth, and see howglad he will be to help you, and how sincerely he will respect you forwhat 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 thatwas dearest. 

"I shall, if you go manfully away and do the duty you owe your fatherand 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 amnot sure of anything? I don't love you as I ought, and perhaps I nevershall so why persist in making me bind myself in this way? Be generous, Charlie, and don't ask it, " implored Rose, much afflicted by hispersistence. 

"I thought you did love me it looked very like it a month ago, unlessyou have turned coquette, and I can't quite believe that, " he answeredbitterly. 

"I was beginning to love you, but you made me afraid to go on, " murmuredRose, trying to tell the truth kindly. 

"That cursed custom! What can a man do when his hostess asks him todrink wine with her?" And Charlie looked as if he could have cursedhimself 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 yoursake. " And Rose looked up with a face so full of tender sorrow he couldnot doubt the words which both reproached and comforted him. 

"My little saint! I don't deserve one half your goodness to me, but Iwill, 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 exampleof courage and integrity she tried to set him. 

Here Kitty and Steve bore down upon them; and, obeying the impulse toput care behind them, which makes it possible for young hearts to acheone minute and dance the next, Rose and Charlie banished their troubles, joined in the sport that soon turned the lonely little bay into aballroom, and enjoyed the splendors of a winter sunset forgetful ofseparation and Calcutta. 

Chapter 15 ALAS FOR CHARLIE!

In spite of much internal rebellion, Charlie held fast to hisresolution, and Aunt Clara, finding all persuasions vain, gave in and ina state of chronic indignation against the world in general and Rose inparticular, prepared to accompany him. The poor girl had a hard time ofit and, but for her uncle, would have fared still worse. He was a sortof shield upon which Mrs. Clara's lamentations, reproaches, and irateglances fell unavailingly instead of wounding the heart against whichthey were aimed. 

The days passed very quickly now, for everyone seemed anxious to havethe parting over and preparations went on rapidly. The big house wasmade ready to shut up for a year at least, comforts for the long voyagelaid in, and farewell visits paid. The general activity and excitementrendered it impossible for Charlie to lead the life of an artistichermit any longer and he fell into a restless condition which causedRose to long for the departure of the Rajah when she felt that he wouldbe safe, for these farewell festivities were dangerous to one who wasjust learning to say "no. "

"Half the month safely gone. If we can only get well over these lastweeks, a great weight will be off my mind, " thought Rose as she wentdown 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'swhite 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 medicinecloset. 

Rose understood and obeyed, for Aunt Plenty was poorly with herrheumatism and depended on her morning doze. 

"What is it?" she said, looking about the room with a shiver, as ifexpecting to see again what she saw there New Year's night. Archie wasalone, however, and, drawing her toward the closet, answered with anevident effort to be quite calm and steady "Charlie is hurt! Uncle wantsmore 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 bandageswith hands that trembled as they searched. 

"All narrow! I must make some. Can you wait?" And, catching up a pieceof old linen, she tore it into wide strips, adding, in the same quicktone, as she began to roll them, "Now, tell me. "

"I can wait those are not needed just yet. I didn't mean anyone shouldknow, you least of all, " began Archie, smoothing out the strips as theylay across the table and evidently surprised at the girl's nerve andskill. 

"I can bear it make haste! Is he much hurt?"

"I'm afraid he is. Uncle looks sober, and the poor boy suffers so, Icouldn't stay, " answered Archie, turning still whiter about the lipsthat never had so hard a tale to tell before. 

"You see, he went to town last evening to meet the man who is going tobuy Brutus. "

"And Brutus did it? I knew he would!" cried Rose, dropping her work towring 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, forhe's done his best to kill Charlie, " muttered Charlie's mate with a grimlook, then gave a great sigh and added with averted face, "I shouldn'tblame the brute, it wasn't his fault. He needed a firm hand and--" Hestopped there, but Rose said quickly: "Go on. I must know. "

"Charlie met some of his old cronies, quite by accident; there was adinner party, and they made him go, just for a good-bye, they said. Hecouldn't refuse, and it was too much for him. He would come home alonein the storm, though they tried to keep him, as he wasn't fit. Downby the new bridge that high embankment, you know the wind had put thelantern out he forgot or something scared Brutus, and all went downtogether. "

Archie had spoken fast and brokenly but Rose understood and at the lastword 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 nextroom 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 anythingback tell me the worst at once. "

"We knew nothing of it, " he went on obediently. "Aunt Clara thought hewas with me, and no one found him till early this morning. A workmanrecognized him and he was brought home, dead they thought. I came forUncle an hour ago. Charlie is conscious now, but awfully hurt, and I'mafraid from the way Mac and Uncle looked at one another that Oh! Thinkof it, Rose! Crushed and helpless, alone in the rain all night, and Inever knew, I never knew!"

With that, poor Archie broke down entirely and, flinging himself into achair, laid his face on the table, sobbing like a girl. Rose had neverseen a man cry before, and it was so unlike a woman's gentler grief thatit moved her very much. Putting by her own anguish, she tried to comforthis and, going to him, lifted up his head and made him lean on her, forin such hours as this women are the stronger. It was a very little todo, but it did comfort Archie, for the poor fellow felt as if fate wasvery hard upon him just then, and in this faithful bosom he could pourhis brief but pathetic plaint. 

"Phebe's gone, and now if Charlie's taken, I don't see how I can bearit!"

"Phebe will come back, dear, and let us hope poor Charlie isn't going tobe taken yet. Such things always seem worst at first, I've heard peoplesay, so cheer up and hope for the best, " answered Rose, seeking for somecomfortable words to say and finding very few. 

They took effect, however, for Archie did cheer up like a man. Wipingaway the tears which he so seldom shed that they did not know where togo, 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'thelp it the shock of being waked suddenly to find the dear old fellow insuch 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, poorAunt Clara! How does she bear it?"

"Almost distracted. I took Mother to her, and she will do all thatanybody can. Heaven only knows what Aunt will do if--"

"And only heaven can help her, " added Rose as Archie stopped at thewords he could not utter. "Now take them, and let me know often. "

"You brave little soul, I will. " And Archie went away through therain with his sad burden, wondering how Rose could be so calm when thebeloved Prince might be dying. 

A long dark day followed, with nothing to break its melancholy monotonyexcept the bulletins that came from hour to hour reporting little changeeither for better or for worse. Rose broke the news gently to AuntPlenty 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 wrongwithout her. At dusk she fell asleep, and Rose went down to order lightsand fire in the parlor, with tea ready to serve at any moment, for shefelt sure some of the men would come and that a cheerful greeting andcreature comforts would suit them better than tears, darkness, anddesolation. 

Presently Mac arrived, saying the instant he entered the room: "Morecomfortable, Cousin. "

"Thank heaven!" cried Rose, unclasping her hands. Then seeing how wornout, wet, and weary Mac looked as he came into the light, she added ina tone that was a cordial in itself, "Poor boy, how tired you are! Comehere, 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 Unclerefused to stir. "

"Don't go home, for if Aunty isn't there it will be very dismal. Stepinto Uncle's room and refresh, then come back and I'll give you yourtea. Let me, let me! I can't help in any other way, and I must dosomething, this waiting is so dreadful. "

Her last words betrayed how much suspense was trying her, and Macyielded at once, glad to comfort and be comforted. When he came back, looking much revived, a tempting little tea table stood before the fireand Rose went to meet him, saying with a faint smile, as she liberallybedewed him with the contents of a cologne flask: "I can't bear thesmell of ether it suggests such dreadful things. "

"What curious creatures women are! Archie told us you bore the news likea hero, and now you turn pale at a whiff of bad air. I can't explainit, " mused Mac as he meekly endured the fragrant shower bath. 

"Neither can I, but I've been imagining horrors all day and made myselfnervous. 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 illsyet 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 tothe fire. 

She brought it to him and made him eat something; then, as he shut hiseyes 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 upand ready to be off again. 

"He gave me that. Take it with you and put some on his hair. He likesit, and I do so want to help a little, " she said, slipping the prettyflagon into his pocket with such a wistful look Mac never thought ofsmiling at this very feminine request. 

"I'll tell him. Is there anything else I can do for you, Cousin?" heasked, holding the cold hand that had been serving him so helpfully. 

"Only this if there is any sudden change, promise to send for me, nomatter at what hour it is. I must say 'good-bye'". 

"I will come for you. But, Rose, I am sure you may sleep in peacetonight, 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 verygood, and I know it will not do him any harm. "

"No fear of that. The first thing he said when he could speak was 'TellRose carefully, ' and as I came away he guessed where I was going andtried to kiss his hand in the old way, you know. "

Mac thought it would cheer her to hear that Charlie remembered her, butthe sudden thought that she might never see the familiar little gestureanymore was the last drop that made her full heart overflow, and Mac sawthe "hero" of the morning sink down at his feet in a passion of tearsthat 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 quitesteadily, great drops rolling down her cheeks the while: "Let me cry itis what I need, and I shall be all the better for it by and by. Go toCharlie now and tell him I said with all my heart, 'Good night!'?

"I will!" And Mac trudged away, marveling in his turn at the curiouslyblended strength and weakness of womankind. 

That was the longest night Rose ever spent, but joy came in the morningwith the early message: "He is better. You are to come by and by. " ThenAunt Plenty forgot her lumbago and arose; Aunt Myra, who had come tohave a social croak, took off her black bonnet as if it would not beneeded 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, thenher uncle arrived, and at the first sight of his face Rose began totremble. 

"I came for my little girl myself, because we must go back at once, " hesaid 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, saidwith the quiet directness which soothes such agitation better than anysympathetic demonstration: "Charlie is worse. I feared it when the painwent so suddenly this morning, but the chief injuries are internal andone 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 slipaway without more suffering. This is the time for you to see him, for hehas set his heart on it, and nothing can hurt him now. My child, it isvery hard, but we must help each other bear it. "

Rose tried to say, "Yes, Uncle" bravely, but the words would notcome, and she could only slip her hand into his with a look of mutesubmission. He laid her head on his shoulder and went on talking soquietly that anyone who did not see how worn and haggard his face hadgrown with two days and a night of sharp anxiety might have thought himcold. 

"Jessie has gone home to rest, and Jane is with poor Clara, who hasdropped asleep at last. I've sent for Steve and the other boys. Therewill be time for them later, but he so begged to see you now, I thoughtit best to come while this temporary strength keeps him up. I havetold him how it is, but he will not believe me. If he asks you, answerhonestly and try to fit him a little for this sudden ending of so manyhopes. "

"How soon, Uncle?"

"A few hours, probably. This tranquil moment is yours make the most ofit 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 consciousonly of the task before her and, when her uncle led her to the door, shesaid quietly, "Let me go in alone, please. "

Archie, who had been hanging over the bed, slipped away into the innerroom as she appeared, and Rose found Charlie waiting for her with sucha happy face, she could not believe what she had heard and found it easyto 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 waitedtill you were better. You surely are?" she added, as a second glanceshowed to her the indescribable change which had come upon the facewhich at first seemed to have both light and color in it. 

"Uncle says not, but I think he is mistaken, because the agony is allgone, and except for this odd sinking now and then, I don't feel so muchamiss, " he answered feebly but with something of the old lightness inhis voice. 

"You will hardly be able to sail in the Rajah, I fear, but you won'tmind waiting a little while we nurse you, " said poor Rose, trying totalk on quietly, with her heart growing heavier every minute. 

"I shall go if I'm carried! I'll keep that promise, though it costsme my life. Oh, Rose! You know? They've told you?" And, with a suddenmemory 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 becoming for you. "

"Always so generous, so kind!" he murmured, with her hand againsthis feverish cheek; then, looking up, he went on in a tone so humblycontrite it made her eyes fill with slow, hot tears. 

"I tried to flee temptation I tried to say 'no, ' but I am so pitiablyweak, 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 hearhim still speak hopefully when there was no hope. Something in the muteanguish of her face seemed to tell him what she could not speak, and aquick change came over him as he grasped her hand tighter, saying in asharp whisper: "Have I really got to die, Rose?"

Her only answer was to kneel down and put her arms about him, as if shetried to keep death away a little longer. He believed it then, and layso 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 agreat danger bravely, though not the strength to fight a bosom sin andconquer it. His eyes were fixed, as if trying to look into the unseenworld whither he was going, and his lips firmly set that no word ofcomplaint should spoil the proof he meant to give that, though he hadnot known how to live, he did know how to die. It seemed to Rose asif for one brief instant she saw the man that might have been if earlytraining had taught him how to rule himself; and the first words heuttered with a long sigh, as his eye came back to her, showed that hefelt the failure and owned it with pathetic candor. 

"Better so, perhaps; better go before I bring any more sorrow to you andshame to myself. I'd like to stay a little longer and try to redeem thepast; it seems so wasted now, but if I can't, don't grieve, Rose. I'm noloss 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 canforget how much we loved you, and you must believe how freely we forgiveas we would be forgiven, " cried Rose, steadied by the pale despair thathad fallen on Charlie's face with those bitter words. 

"'Forgive us our trespasses!' Yes, I should say that. Rose, I'm notready, it is so sudden. What can I do?" he whispered, clinging to her asif 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. " Andshe moved as if to call in the help so sorely needed. 

"No, no, not yet! Stay by me, darling read something there, inGrandfather's old book, some prayer for such as I. It will do me moregood from you than any minister alive. "

She got the venerable book given to Charlie because he bore the goodman's name and, turning to the "Prayer for the Dying, " read it brokenlywhile the voice beside her echoed now and then some word that reprovedor comforted. 

"The testimony of a good conscience. " "By the sadness of his countenancemay 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 mylittle heart. They took it off please give it back and let me keep italways, " he answered with the old fondness strong as ever, even when hecould show it only by holding fast the childish trinket which she foundand 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 therewas anything else she could do for him, he tried to stretch out his armsto 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. Turningfor a last look, Charlie's hopeful spirit rose for a moment, as ifanxious to send her away more cheerful, and he said with a shadow ofthe 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, helay there looking so serene and noble, it seemed as if it must be wellwith 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 truthhe 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 wason board, for everything was ready. All thought she had better go tocomfort her husband, and since her boy died she seemed to care verylittle 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 thatStephen would not find her altered by her trials as much as might havebeen expected. 

Then nothing was left of that gay household but the empty rooms, silencenever 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 itexcept as it affected Rose, for it is with her we have most to do, theother characters being of secondary importance. 

When time had soothed the first shock of sudden loss, she was surprisedto find the memory of his faults and failings, short life and piteousdeath, grew dim, as if a kindly hand had wiped out the record and givenhim 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 leafwhere his name was written, she gladly turned back to reopen and rereadthe happier chapters which painted the youthful knight before he wentout to fall in his first battle. None of the bitterness of lovebereaved marred this memory for Rose, because she found that the warmersentiment, just budding in her heart, had died with Charlie and lay coldand quiet in his grave. She wondered, yet was glad, though sometimes aremorseful pang smote her when she discovered how possible it was to goon without him, feeling almost as if a burden had been lifted off, sincehis happiness was taken out of her hands. The time had not yet come whenthe knowledge that a man's heart was in her keeping would make the prideand joy of her life, and while she waited for that moment she enjoyedthe liberty she seemed to have recovered. 

Such being her inward state, it much annoyed her to be regarded as abrokenhearted girl and pitied for the loss of her young lover. She couldnot explain to all the world, so let it pass, and occupied her mind withthe good works which always lie ready to be taken up and carried on. Having chosen philanthropy as her profession, she felt that it was hightime to begin the task too long neglected. 

Her projects were excellent, but did not prosper as rapidly as shehoped, for, having to deal with people, not things, unexpected obstacleswere constantly arising. The "Home for Decayed Gentlewomen, " as the boysinsisted on calling her two newly repaired houses, started finely andit was a pleasant sight to see the comfortable rooms filled withrespectable women busy at their various tasks, surrounded by thedecencies and many of the comforts which make life endurable. But, presently, Rose was disturbed to find that the good people expected herto take care of them in a way she had not bargained for. Buffum, heragent, was constantly reporting complaints, new wants, and generaldiscontent if they were not attended to. Things were very neglected, water pipes froze and burst, drains got out of order, yards were ina mess, and rents behind-hand. Worst of all, outsiders, instead ofsympathizing, only laughed and said, "We told you so, " which is a mostdiscouraging remark to older and wiser workers than Rose. 

Uncle Alec, however, stood by her staunchly and helped her out of manyof her woes by good advice and an occasional visit of inspection, whichdid much to impress upon the dwellers there the fact that, if they didnot do their part, their leases would be short ones. 

"I didn't expect to make anything out of it, but I did think they wouldbe grateful, " said Rose on one occasion when several complaints had comein at once and Buffum had reported great difficulty in collecting thelow rents. 

"If you do this thing for the sake of the gratitude, then it is afailure 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 womenfeel what privileges they enjoy and value them highly, " said Dr. Alec asthey went home after one of these unsatisfactory calls. 

"Then the least they can do is to say 'thank you. ' I'm afraid I havethought more of the gratitude than the work, but if there isn't any, Imust make up my mind to go without, " answered Rose, feeling defrauded ofher due. 

"Favors often separate instead of attracting people nearer to oneanother, and I've seen many a friendship spoilt by the obligation beingall on one side. Can't explain it, but it is so, and I've come to theconclusion that it is as hard to give in the right spirit as it is toreceive. Puzzle it out, my dear, while you are learning to do good forits own sake. "

"I know one sort of people who are grateful and I'm going to devotemy mind to them. They thank me in many ways, and helping them is allpleasure 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 complainand fidget one's life out, bless their hearts!" cried Rose, cheering upsuddenly. 

After that she left Buffum to manage the "Retreat, " and devoted herenergies to the little folks, always so ready to receive the smallestgift and repay the giver with their artless thanks. Here she foundplenty to do, and did it with such sweet goodwill that she won her waylike sunshine, making many a little heart dance over splendid dolls, gaypicture books, and pots of flowers, as well as food, fire, and clothesfor the small bodies pinched with want and pain. 

As spring came new plans sprang up as naturally as dandelions. The poorchildren longed for the country; and, as the green fields could not cometo them, Rose carried them to the green fields. Down on the Point stoodan old farmhouse, often used by the Campbell tribe for summer holidays. That spring it was set to rights unusually early, several womeninstalled as housekeeper, cook, and nurses, and when the May days grewbright 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. Apretty 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 thewomenfolk were continually driving over to the Point for something forthe "poor dears. " Aunt Plenty sowed gingerbread broadcast; Aunt Jessiemade pinafores by the dozen while Aunt Jane "kept her eye" on thenurses, and Aunt Myra supplied medicines so liberally that the mortalitywould have been awful if Dr. Alec had not taken them in charge. To himthis was the most delightful spot in the world and well it might be, forhe suggested the idea and gave Rose all the credit of it. He was oftenthere, and his appearance was always greeted with shrieks of rapture, as the children gathered from all quarters creeping, running, hoppingon crutches, or carried in arms which they gladly left to sit on "UncleDoctor'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 wasgetting gray, and the frolics that went on when he arrived were betterthan any medicine to children who had never learned to play. It wasa standing joke among the friends that the bachelor brother had thelargest family and was the most domestic man of the remaining four, though Uncle Mac did his part manfully and kept Aunt Jane in a constantfidget by his rash propositions to adopt the heartiest boys andprettiest girls to amuse him and employ her. 

On one occasion Aunt Jane had a very narrow escape, and the culpritbeing her son, not her husband, she felt free to repay herself for manyscares of this sort by a good scolding, which, unlike many, producedexcellent results. 

One bright June day, as Rose came cantering home from the Point on herpretty bay pony, she saw a man sitting on a fallen tree beside the roadand something in his despondent attitude arrested her attention. As shedrew nearer he turned his head, and she stopped short, exclaiming ingreat surprise: "Why, Mac! What are you doing here?"

"Trying to solve a problem, " he answered, looking up with a whimsicalexpression of perplexity and amusement in his face which made Rose smiletill his next words turned her sober in a twinkling: "I've eloped witha young lady, and don't know what to do with her. I took her home, ofcourse, 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 largebundle which he held while the wild idea flashed through her head thatperhaps he really had done some rash deed of this sort. 

"No, this is the young lady herself. " And, opening a corner of the brownshawl, he displayed a child of three so pale, so thin and tiny that shelooked like a small scared bird just fallen from the nest as she shrankaway from the light with great frightened eyes and a hand like a littleclaw 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. Atour hospital we've had a poor woman who got hurt and died two daysago. I had nothing to do with her, only took her a bit of fruit once ortwice, for she had big, wistful sort of eyes that haunted me. The dayshe died I stopped a minute, and the nurse said she'd been wanting tospeak to me but didn't dare. So I asked if I could do anything for herand, though she could hardly breathe for pain being almost gone sheimplored me to take care of baby. I found out where the child was, andpromised I'd see after her for the poor soul couldn't seem to die tillI'd given her that comfort. I never can forget the look in her eyes asI held her hand and said, 'Baby shall be taken care of. ' She tried tothank me, and died soon after quite peacefully. Well, I went today andhunted up the poor little wretch. Found her in a miserable place, leftin the care of an old hag who had shut her up alone to keep her out ofthe 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 tookthe baby straightaway, for she had been abused. It was high time. Lookthere, will you?"

Mac turned the little skinny arm and showed a blue mark which made Rosedrop her reins and stretch out both hands, crying with a tender sortof indignation: "How dared they do it? Give her to me, poor littlemotherless thing!"

Mac laid the bundle in her arms, and Rose began to cuddle it in thefond, foolish way women have a most comfortable and effective way, nevertheless and baby evidently felt that things were changing forthe better when warm lips touched her cheeks, a soft hand smoothed hertumbled hair, and a womanly face bent over her with the inarticulatecooings and purrings mothers make. The frightened eyes went up to thisgentle countenance and rested there as if reassured; the little clawcrept to the girl's neck, and poor baby nestled to her with a long sighand a plaintive murmur of "Marmar, marmar" that certainly would havetouched a stony heart. 

"Now, go on. No, Rosa, not you, " said the new nurse as the intelligentanimal looked around to see if things were all right before sheproceeded. 

"I took the child home to mother, not knowing what else to do, butshe wouldn't have it at any price, even for a night. She doesn't likechildren, 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. Shetold 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 anorphan got a father who can't take care of her, ' says I. 'Take her tothe Foundling place, or Mrs. Gardener, or someone whose business it is. I will not have the creature here, sick and dirty and noisy. Carry itback, and ask Rose to tell you what to do with it. ' So my cruel parentcast me forth but relented as I shouldered baby, gave me a shawl to puther in, a jumble to feed her with, and money to pay her board in somegood 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 pattingRosa's glossy neck. 

"Exactly. I didn't want to trouble you, for you have your house fullalready, and I really couldn't lay my hand on any good soul who would bebothered with this little forlornity. She has nothing to recommend her, you see not pretty; feeble; shy as a mouse; no end of care, I daresayyet she needs every bit she can get to keep soul and body together, ifI'm any judge. "

Rose opened her lips impulsively, but closed them without speaking andsat a minute looking straight between Rosa's ears, as if forcing herselfto think twice before she spoke. Mac watched her out of the corner ofhis eyes as he said, in a musing tone, tucking the shawl around a pairof shabby little feet the while, "This seems to be one of the charitiesthat no one wants to undertake, yet I can't help feeling that my promiseto the mother binds me to something more than merely handing babyover to some busy matron or careless nurse in any of our overcrowdedinstitutions. She is such a frail creature she won't trouble anyonelong, perhaps, and I should like to give her just a taste of comfort, ifnot 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 suddenglow of feeling that always made her lovely. And gathering poor babyclose, she went on her way like a modern Britomart, ready to redress thewrongs of any who had need of her. 

As he led the slowly stepping horse along the quiet road, Mac could nothelp thinking that they looked a little like the Flight into Egypt, buthe did not say so, being a reverent youth only glanced back now andthen at the figure above him, for Rose had taken off her hat to keep thelight from baby's eyes and sat with the sunshine turning her uncoveredhair to gold as she looked down at the little creature resting on thesaddle before her with the sweet thoughtfulness one sees in some ofCorreggio's young Madonnas. 

No one else saw the picture, but Mac long remembered it, and ever afterthere was a touch of reverence added to the warm affection he had alwaysborne his cousin Rose. 

"What is the child's name?" was the sudden question which disturbed abrief silence, broken only by the sound of pacing hoofs, the rustle ofgreen boughs overhead, and the blithe caroling of birds. 

"I'm sure I don't know, " answered Mac, suddenly aware that he had fallenout of one quandary into another. 

"Didn't you ask?"

"No, the mother called her 'Baby, ' and the old woman, 'Brat. ' And thatis all I know of the first name the last is Kennedy. You may christenher what you like. "

"Then I shall name her Dulcinea, as you are her knight, and call herDulce 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 withbuttercups, thereby winning for himself the first smile baby's face hadknown for weeks. 

When they got home Aunt Plenty received her new guest with heraccustomed hospitality and, on learning the story, was as warmlyinterested as even enthusiastic Rose could desire, bustling about tomake the child comfortable with an energy pleasant to see, for thegrandmotherly instincts were strong in the old lady and of late had beenbeautifully developed. 

In less than half an hour from the time baby went upstairs, she camedown again on Rose's arm, freshly washed and brushed, in a pink gownmuch too large and a white apron decidedly too small; an immaculate pairof socks, but no shoes; a neat bandage on the bruised arm, and a stringof spools for a plaything hanging on the other. A resigned expressionsat upon her little face, but the frightened eyes were only shy now, andthe forlorn heart evidently much comforted. 

"There! How do you like your Dulce now?" said Rose, proudly displayingthe work of her hands as she came in with her habit pinned up andcarrying a silver porringer of bread and milk. 

Mac knelt down, took the small, reluctant hand, and kissed it asdevoutly as ever good Alonzo Quixada did that of the Duchess while hesaid, merrily quoting from the immortal story: "'High and SovereignLady, thine till death, the Knight of the Rueful Countenance. '"

But baby had no heart for play and, withdrawing her hand, pointed to theporringer with the suggestive remark: "Din-din, now. "

So Rose sat down and fed the Duchess while the Don stood by and watchedthe 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 apuddle, like a duck. I'll buy her some new ones clothes too. Where do Igo, what do I ask for, and how much do I get?" he said, diving for hispocketbook, amiably anxious but pitiably ignorant. 

"I'll see to that. We always have things on hand for the Pointers asthey come along and can soon fit Dulce out. You may make some inquiriesabout the father if you will, for I don't want to have her taken awayjust 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 totrouble 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 littledaughter to be a good woman so that she will have an honest name of herown, 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 sosuccessful in his first attempt, I fancy you won't require much, " saidMac, picking up the spools for the sixth time. 

"Yes, I shall, for it is a great responsibility, and I do not undertakeit lightly, " answered Rose soberly, though the double-barreledcompliment pleased her very much. 

"I'm sure Phebe has turned out splendidly, and you began very early withher. "

"So I did! That's encouraging. Dear thing, how bewildered she lookedwhen I proposed adopting her. I remember all about it, for Uncle hadjust come and I was quite crazy over a box of presents and rushed atPhebe as she was cleaning brasses. How little I thought my childishoffer would end so well!" And Rose fell a-musing with a happy smile onher face while baby picked the last morsels out of the porringer withher own busy fingers. 

It certainly had ended well, for Phebe at the end of six months not onlyhad a good place as choir singer but several young pupils and excellentprospects for the next winter. 

"Accept the blessing of a poor young man, Whose lucky steps have led himto 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 reporthis success to his mother, who, in spite of her seeming harshness, wasalready 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 uponthe child, permitted Rose to keep it for a time at least. So littleDulce, newly equipped even to a name, took her place among them andslowly 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 broughtup in misery. A pale, pensive little creature, always creeping intocorners and looking timidly out, as if asking leave to live, and, whenoffered playthings, taking them with a meek surprise that was verytouching. 

Rose soon won her heart, and then almost wished she had not, for babyclung 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 shelearned more than she could teach and felt a sense of responsibilitywhich was excellent ballast for her enthusiastic nature. 

Kitty Van, who made Rose her model in all things, was immediatelyinspired to go and do likewise, to the great amusement as well asannoyance of her family. Selecting the prettiest, liveliest child inthe Asylum, she took it home on trial for a week. "A perfect cherub" shepronounced it the first day, but an "enfant terrible" before the weekwas over, for the young hero rioted by day, howled by night, ravaged thehouse from top to bottom, and kept his guardians in a series of panicsby his hairbreadth escapes. So early on Saturday, poor exhausted Kittyrestored the "cherub" with many thanks, and decided to wait until herviews of education were rather more advanced. 

As the warm weather came on, Rose announced that Dulce needed mountainair, for she dutifully repeated as many of Dr. Alec's prescriptions aspossible 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, andMother Atkinson received them as cordially as ever. The pretty daughterswere all married and gone, but a stout damsel took their place, andnothing seemed changed except that the old heads were grayer and theyoung ones a good deal taller than six years ago. 

Jamie immediately fraternized with neighboring boys and devoted himselfto fishing with an ardor which deserved greater success. Aunt Jessiereveled in reading, for which she had no time at home, and lay inher hammock a happy woman, with no socks to darn, buttons to sew, orhousekeeping cares to vex her soul. Rose went about with Dulce like avery devoted hen with one rather feeble chicken, for she was anxious tohave this treatment work well and tended her little patient withdaily increasing satisfaction. Dr. Alec came up to pass a few days andpronounced the child in a most promising condition. But the grand eventof the season was the unexpected arrival of Phebe. 

Two of her pupils had invited her to join them in a trip to themountains, and she ran away from the great hotel to surprise her littlemistress with a sight of her, so well and happy that Rose had no anxietyleft on her account. 

Three delightful days they spent, roaming about together, talking asonly girls can talk after a long separation, and enjoying one anotherlike a pair of lovers. As if to make it quite perfect, by one of thoseremarkable coincidences which sometimes occur, Archie happened to runup for the Sunday, so Phebe had her surprise, and Aunt Jessie and thetelegraph kept their secret so well, no one ever knew what maternalmachinations brought the happy accident to pass. 

Then Rose saw a very pretty, pastoral bit of lovemaking, and long afterit was over, and Phebe gone one way, Archie another, the echo of sweetwords seemed to linger in the air, tender ghosts to haunt the pinegrove, and even the big coffeepot had a halo of romance about it, forits burnished sides reflected the soft glances the lovers interchangedas one filled the other's cup at that last breakfast. 

Rose found these reminiscences more interesting than any novel she hadread, and often beguiled her long leisure by planning a splendid futurefor her Phebe as she trotted about after her baby in the lovely Julyweather. 

On one of the most perfect days she sat under an old apple tree on theslope behind the house where they used to play. Before her opened thewide intervale, dotted with haymakers at their picturesque work. On theleft flowed the swift river fringed with graceful elms in their bravestgreenery; on the right rose the purple hills serene and grand; andoverhead glowed the midsummer sky, which glorified it all. 

Little Dulce, tired of play, lay fast asleep in the nest she had madein one of the haycocks close by, and Rose leaned against the gnarled oldtree, dreaming daydreams with her work at her feet. Happy and absorbingfancies they seemed to be, for her face was beautifully tranquil, andshe took no heed of the train which suddenly went speeding down thevalley, leaving a white cloud behind. Its rumble concealed the sound ofapproaching steps, and her eyes never turned from the distant hills tillthe abrupt appearance of a very sunburned but smiling young man made herjump 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 theboy had gone to town and that you were 'settin' round' in the oldplace. 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 itwere a chair. 

Rose subsided into her former seat, surveying her cousin with muchsatisfaction as she said: "This is the third surprise I've had since Icame. Uncle popped in upon us first, then Phebe, and now you. Have youhad a pleasant tramp? Uncle said you were off. "

"Delightful! I feel as if I'd been in heaven, or near it, for aboutthree weeks, and thought I'd break the shock of coming down to the earthby calling here on my way home. "

"You look as if heaven suited you. Brown as a berry, but so fresh andhappy 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 blueflannel suit and dusty shoes, for there was a certain sylvan freshnessabout him as he sat there full of reposeful strength the hills seemed tohave given, the wholesome cheerful days of air and sunshine put into aman, and the clear, bright look of one who had caught glimpses of a newworld from the mountaintop. 

"Tramping agrees with me. I took a dip in the river as I came along andmade my toilet in a place where Milton's Sabrina might have lived, "he said, shaking back his damp hair and settling the knot of scarletbunchberries stuck in his buttonhole. 

"You look as if you found the nymph at home, " said Rose, knowing howmuch 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 likeUncle 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 lookas 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 yourhair long, I really think you'd look like Milton, " added Rose, sure thatwould please him. 

It certainly did amuse him, for he lay back on the hay and laughed soheartily that his merriment scared the squirrel on the wall and wokeDulce. 

"You ungrateful boy! Will nothing suit you? When I say you look like thebest 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 ofme, 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, sowhy shouldn't you be a poet?" asked Rose, liking to trip him up with hisown 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 asseriously as if he really thought of trying it. 

"No. I'd rather have you one or the other. I don't care which, onlyyou 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 isbeginning to simmer already, and I've got a great curiosity to know whatit will turn out to be. "

Mac's eyes shone as she said that, but before he could speak a littlevoice said, "Aunty Wose!" and he turned to find Dulce sitting up in hernest staring at the broad blue back before her with round eyes. 

"Do you know your Don?" he asked, offering his hand with respectfulgentleness, for she seemed a little doubtful whether he was a friend orstranger. 

"It is 'Mat, '" said Rose, and that familiar word seemed to reassure thechild at once, for, leaning forward, she kissed him as if quite used todoing it. 

"I picked up some toys for her, by the way, and she shall have them atonce to pay for that. I didn't expect to be so graciously received bythis shy mouse, " said Mac, much gratified, for Dulce was very chary ofher favors. 

"She knew you, for I always carry my home album with me, and when shecomes to your picture she always kisses it, because I never want her toforget her first friend, " explained Rose, pleased with her pupil. 

"First, but not best, " answered Mac, rummaging in his knapsack for thepromised toys, which he set forth upon the hay before delighted Dulce. 

Neither picture books nor sweeties, but berries strung on long stems ofgrass, acorns, and pretty cones, bits of rock shining with mica, severalbluebirds' feathers, and a nest of moss with white pebbles for eggs. 

"Dearest Nature, strong and kind" knows what children love, and hasplenty of such playthings ready for them all, if one only knows howto find them. These were received with rapture. And leaving the littlecreature to enjoy them in her own quiet way, Mac began to tumble thethings 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, " shesaid, moving the paper to see the page beneath. 

Mac looked up, snatched the book out of her hand, and shook down severalmore scraps, then returned it with a curiously shamefaced expression, saying, as he crammed the papers into his pocket, "I beg pardon, but itwas 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 'Potof Basil' and advised me to read less poetry for a while or I should gettoo 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, Ithink, " said Mac, enthusiastically. 

"Read it to me. I feel just like hearing poetry, and you will do itjustice if you are fond of it, " said Rose, handing him the book with aninnocent 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 becontented for an hour with those pretty things. "

As if well pleased with his task, Mac laid himself comfortably on thegrass and, leaning his head on his hand, read the lovely story as onlyone could who entered fully into the spirit of it. Rose watched himclosely and saw how his face brightened over some quaint fancy, delicatedescription, or delicious word; heard how smoothly the melodiousmeasures fell from his lips, and read something more than admiration inhis eyes as he looked up now and then to mark if she enjoyed it as muchas he. 

She could not help enjoying it, for the poet's pen painted as well aswrote, and the little romance lived before her, but she was not thinkingof John Keats as she listened; she was wondering if this cousin wasa kindred spirit, born to make such music and leave as sweet an echobehind him. It seemed as if it might be; and, after going through therough caterpillar and the pent-up chrysalis changes, the beautifulbutterfly would appear to astonish and delight them all. So full ofthis 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 hehad 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 totell. "

"She didn't. I suspected, and now I know, " laughed Rose, delighted tohave caught him. 

Much discomfited, Mac gave poor Keats a fling and, leaning on bothelbows, tried to hide his face for it had reddened like that of a modestgirl 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 fellowscribbles 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 lastwords suggested a cause which she knew by experience was apt to inspireyoung men. Leaning forward again, she asked solemnly, though her eyesdanced with fun, "Mac, are you in love?"

"Do I look like it?" And he sat up with such an injured and indignantface that she apologized at once, for he certainly did not lookloverlike with hayseed in his hair, several lively crickets playingleapfrog over his back, and a pair of long legs stretching from tree tohaycock. 

"No, you don't, and I humbly beg your pardon for making such anunwarrantable insinuation. It merely occurred to me that the generalupliftedness I observe in you might be owing to that, since it wasn'tpoetry. "

"It is the good company I've been keeping, if anything. A fellow can'tspend 'A Week' with Thoreau and not be the better for it. I'm glad Ishow it, because in the scramble life is to most of us, even an hourwith 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 ofintroducing a dear and honored friend. 

"I've read bits, and like them they are so original and fresh andsometimes droll, " said Rose, smiling to see what natural and appropriatemarks of approbation the elements seemed to set upon the pages Mac wasturning eagerly, for one had evidently been rained on, a crushed berrystained another, some appreciative field-mouse or squirrel had nibbledone corner, and the cover was faded with the sunshine, which seemed tohave 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 wouldrather ride on earth in an oxcart, with free circulation, than go toheaven in the fancy car of an excursion train, and breathe malaria allthe way. '

"I've tried both and quite agree with him, " laughed Mac, and skimmingdown another page, gave her a paragraph here and there. 

"'Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read themat 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 thesugar maple, with sap enough to maintain his own verdure, besideswhat runs into the trough; and not like a vine which, being cut in thespring, bears no fruit, but bleeds to death in the endeavor to heal itswounds. '"

"That will do for you, " said Rose, still thinking of the new suspicionwhich 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 askyou why you look 'uplifted, ' as you call it. What have you been doingto make yourself more like your namesake than ever?" asked Mac, carryingwar into the enemy's camp with the sudden question. 

"Nothing but live, and enjoy doing it. I actually sit here, day afterday, as happy and contented with little things as Dulce is and feel asif I wasn't much older than she, " answered the girl, feeling as ifsome change was going on in that pleasant sort of pause but unable todescribe it. 

"As if a rose should shut and be a bud again, " murmured Mac, borrowingfrom his beloved Keats. 

"Ah, but I can't do that! I must go on blooming whether I like it ornot, and the only trouble I have is to know what leaf I ought to unfoldnext, " said Rose, playfully smoothing out the white gown, in which shelooked very like a daisy among the green. 

"How far have you got?" asked Mac, continuing his catechism as if thefancy 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 tobe waiting for what is to come next and getting ready for it, perhapsunconsciously, " she said, looking dreamily away to the hills again, isif the new experience was coming to her from afar. 

Mac watched her thoughtfully for a minute, wondering how many moreleaves must unfold before the golden heart of this human flower wouldlie open to the sun. He felt a curious desire to help in some way, andcould think of none better than to offer her what he had found mosthelpful to himself. Picking up another book, he opened it at a placewhere an oak leaf lay and, handing it to her, said, as if presentingsomething very excellent and precious: "If you want to be ready to takewhatever comes in a brave and noble way, read that, and the one wherethe 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, nonebut his Maker can teach him. '

"'Do that which is assigned to you, and you cannot hope or dare toomuch. '"

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 thehint of each new experience; search in turn all the objects that solicither eye, that she may learn the power and the charm of her newbornbeing. '

"'The fair girl who repels interference by a decided and proud choice ofinfluences inspires every beholder with something of her own nobleness;and the silent heart encourages her. O friend, never strike sail to afear! Come into port greatly, or sail with God the seas. '"

"You understand that, don't you?" asked Mac as she glanced up with thelook of one who had found something suited to her taste and need. 

"Yes, but I never dared to read these Essays, because I thought theywere too wise for me. "

"The wisest things are sometimes the simplest, I think. Everyonewelcomes light and air, and cannot do without them, yet very few couldexplain them truly. I don't ask you to read or understand all of thatdon'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'llleave you the book. "

"Thanks. I wanted something fine to read up here and, judging by what Isee, I fancy this will suit. Only Aunt Jessie may think I'm putting onairs if I try Emerson. "

"Why should she? He has done more to set young men and women thinkingthan any man in this century at least. Don't you be afraid if it is whatyou 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 aheadhimself much faster than she had any suspicion. 

Here a voice exclaimed "Hallo!" and, looking around, Jamie wasdiscovered surveying them critically as he stood in an independentattitude, like a small Colossus of Rhodes in brown linen, with a bundleof molasses candy in one hand, several new fishhooks cherished carefullyin the other, and his hat well on the back of his head, displaying asmany 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, andhe's no fun. Where did you come from? What did you come for? How longare 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 ofcandy 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, " explainedJamie, reposing luxuriously with his head on Mac's legs and his mouthfull. 

"I'll step and get them. Aunty must be tired, and we should enjoyreading the news together. "

"She is the most convenient girl that ever was, " observed Jamie as Rosedeparted, thinking Mac might like some more substantial refreshment thansweetmeats. 

"I should think so, if you let her run your errands, you lazy littlescamp, " answered Mac, looking after her as she went up the green slope, for there was something very attractive to him about the slender figurein a plain white gown with a black sash about the waist and all the wavyhair gathered to the top of the head with a little black bow. 

"Sort of pre-Raphaelite, and quite refreshing after the furbelowedcreatures at the hotels, " he said to himself as she vanished under thearch of scarlet runners over the garden gate. 

"Oh, well! She likes it. Rose is fond of me, and I'm very good to herwhen I have time, " continued Jamie, calmly explaining. "I let her cutout a fishhook, when it caught in my leg, with a sharp penknife, andyou'd better believe it hurt, but I never squirmed a bit, and she said Iwas a brave boy. And then, one day I got left on my desert island out inthe pond, you know the boat floated off, and there I was for as muchas an hour before I could make anyone hear. But Rose thought I might bethere, and down she came, and told me to swim ashore. It wasn't far, butthe water was horrid cold, and I didn't like it. I started though, justas she said, and got on all right, till about halfway, then cramp orsomething made me shut up and howl, and she came after me slapdash, andpulled me ashore. Yes, sir, as wet as a turtle, and looked so funny, Ilaughed, 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 lifeof it, and I'd better take you home with me in the morning, " suggestedMac, rolling the boy over and giving him a good-natured pummeling on thehaycock while Dulce applauded from her nest. 

When Rose returned with ice-cold milk, gingerbread, and letters, shefound the reader of Emerson up in the tree, pelting and being peltedwith green apples as Jamie vainly endeavored to get at him. The siegeended when Aunt Jessie appeared, and the rest of the afternoon was spentin chat about home affairs. 

Early the next morning Mac was off, and Rose went as far as the oldchurch with him. 

"Shall you walk all the way?" she asked as he strode along beside her inthe dewy freshness of the young day. 

"Only about twenty miles, then take car and whisk back to my work, " heanswered, breaking a delicate fern for her. 

"Are you never lonely?"

"Never. I take my best friends along, you know, " and he gave a slap tothe pocket from which peeped the volume of Thoreau. 

"I'm afraid you leave your very best behind you, " said Rose, alluding tothe book he had lent her yesterday. 

"I'm glad to share it with you. I have much of it here, and a littlegoes a great way, as you will soon discover, " he answered, tapping hishead. 

"I hope the reading will do as much for me as it seems to have done foryou. 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 ofit. 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 Rosemischievously, for just then, as he stood bareheaded in the shadows ofthe leaves playing over his fine forehead, she remembered the chat amongthe 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 thegood company she kept, for an introduction to so much that was wise, beautiful, and true could not but make that month a memorable one. Itis not strange that while the young man most admired "Heroism" and"Self-Reliance, " the girl preferred "Love" and "Friendship, " readingthem over and over like prose poems, as they are, to the fittingaccompaniment of sunshine, solitude, and sympathy, for letters went toand fro with praiseworthy regularity. 

Rose much enjoyed this correspondence, and found herself regretting thatit was at an end when she went home in September, for Mac wrote betterthan he talked, though he could do that remarkably well when he chose. But she had no chance to express either pleasure or regret, forthe first time she saw him after her return the great change in hisappearance made her forget everything else. Some whim had seized him tobe shaven and shorn, and when he presented himself to welcome Rose, shehardly knew him. The shaggy hair was nicely trimmed and brushed, thecherished brown beard entirely gone, showing a well-cut mouth andhandsome 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 youngAugustus, " returned Rose, rather pleased on the whole to see what afinely 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 youthink of me, on the whole?" he asked a minute later, as he found Rosestill 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 moretidy, and I fancy I shall like it when I'm used to seeing a somewhatdistinguished-looking man about the house instead of my old friendOrson, " 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 ofcoolness 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 ofhis whim after all. 

"No, I won't, but you mustn't mind if I'm not as sociable as usual fora while. I never can be with strangers, and you really do seem likeone. That will be a punishment for your want of taste and love oforiginality, " returned Rose, resolved to punish him for the slight putupon her beloved uncle. 

"As you like. I won't trouble you much anyway, for I'm going to bevery 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 enjoyyou, and thought we'd have a nice time this winter reading somethingtogether. Must you go?" And Rose seemed to forget his strangeness, asshe 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 Rosereleased him, saying sadly: "I suppose it is natural for you all to getrestless and push off, but it is hard for me to let you go one after theother and stay here alone. Charlie is gone, Archie and Steve are wrappedup in their sweethearts, the boys away, and only Jamie left to 'playwith 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 likehimself. 

"I forgot how long it takes to get a diploma, " he said, walking awayagain. 

"There will be one comfort if you go you'll see Phebe and can tell meall about her, for she is so modest, she doesn't half do it. I shallwant to know how she gets on, if she is engaged to sing ballads in theconcerts 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 hestooped to look at the little Psyche on the mantelpiece. "What a prettything 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'tseen him yet, " said Rose, busy putting her worktable in order. 

"You ought to have a Cupid for her to look at. She has been waitingpatiently a whole year, with nothing but a bronze lizard in sight, " saidMac 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 badtime 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 spiritualsort of face. Don't you see it?" asked Mac, turning the graceful littlefigure toward her. 

"Not a bit of it. I wonder whom I shall resemble next! I've beencompared to a Fra Angelico angel, Saint Agnes, and now 'Syke, ' asAnnabel once called her. "

"You'd see what I mean, if you'd ever watched your own face when youwere listening to music, talking earnestly, or much moved, then yoursoul 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 inthe glass, for I'd like to see if it is becoming, " said Rose merrily asshe 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 upa green slope one summer day; then, as if chiding himself forsentimentality, he set Psyche down with great care and began to talkabout a course of solid reading for the winter. 

After that, Rose saw very little of him for several weeks, as he seemedto be making up for lost time and was more odd and absent than ever whenhe 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 unusualrestlessness of manner, and now and then a touch of sentiment, "Geniusis simmering, just as I predicted. "

As the family were in mourning, there were no festivities on Rose'stwenty-first birthday, though the boys had planned all sorts ofrejoicings. Everyone felt particularly tender toward their girl on thatday, remembering how "poor Charlie" had loved her, and they triedto show it in the gifts and good wishes they sent her. She found hersanctum all aglow with autumn leaves, and on her table so many rare andpretty things, she quite forgot she was an heiress and only felt howrich she was in loving friends. 

One gift greatly pleased her, though she could not help smiling at thesource from whence it came, for Mac sent her a Cupid not the chubbychild with a face of naughty merriment, but a slender, winged youthleaning 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 ofthe lines, for, instead of being witty, complimentary, or gay, there wassomething nobler than mere sentiment in them, and the sweet old fablelived again in language which fitly painted the maiden Soul looking fora Love worthy to possess it. 

Rose read them over and over as she sat among the gold and scarletleaves which glorified her little room, and each time found new depthand beauty in them, looking from the words that made music in her ear tothe lovely shapes that spoke with their mute grace to her eye. The wholething 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 ofher cousin's taste and talent, seeing nothing in it but an affectionatedesire to please her. 

All the rest dropped in at intervals through the day to say a lovingword, and last of all came Mac. Rose happened to be alone with Dulce, enjoying a splendid sunset from her western window, for October gave herchild 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 saidgratefully: "Dear Mac, it was so lovely! I don't know how to thank youfor it in any way but this. " And, drawing down his tall head, she gavehim 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 theshyness of so young a poet, "Never again say you don't write poetry, orcall your verses rubbish I knew you were a genius, and now I'm sure ofit, " he broke out, as if against his will: "No. It isn't genius, it islove!" Then, as she shrank a little, startled at his energy, he added, with an effort at self-control which made his voice sound strange: "Ididn't mean to speak, but I can't suffer you to deceive yourself so. Imust tell the truth, and not let you kiss me like a cousin when I loveyou with all my heart and soul!"

"Oh, Mac, don't joke!" cried Rose, bewildered by this sudden glimpseinto a heart she thought she knew so well. 

"I'm in solemn earnest, " he answered steadily, in such a quiet tonethat, but for the pale excitement of his face, she might have doubtedhis words. "Be angry, if you will. I expect it, for I know it is toosoon to speak. I ought to wait for years, perhaps, but you seemed sohappy 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 Idid!" she cried, with both pain and impatience in her voice, for thefamily delusion tried her very much at times. 

"How could we help it, when he was everything women most admire?" saidMac, not bitterly, but as if he sometimes wondered at their want ofinsight. 

"I do not admire weakness of any sort I could never love without eitherconfidence or respect. Do me the justice to believe that, for I'm tiredof being pitied. "

She spoke almost passionately, being more excited by Mac's repressedemotion 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 suddenlygone down but not daring to venture in as yet. 

"That was the hard part of it! That was why I tried to love him, whyI hoped he would stand fast for my sake, if not for his own, and why Ifound it so sad sometimes not to be able to help despising him for hiswant of courage. I don't know how others feel, but, to me, love isn'tall. I must look up, not down, trust and honor with my whole heart, andfind strength and integrity to lean on. I have had it so far, and I knowI 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 herall she desired. 

"Yes, " she answered, with a face full of the beautiful confidence invirtue, the instinctive desire for the best which so many of us lose toosoon, to find again after life's great lessons are well learned. "Ido hope to find it, because I try not to be unreasonable and expectperfection. Smile if you will, but I won't give up my hero yet, " and shetried to speak lightly, hoping to lead him away from a more dangeroustopic. 

"You'll have to look a long while, I'm afraid, " and all the glow wasgone out of Mac's face, for he understood her wish and knew his answerhad been given. 

"I have Uncle to help me, and I think my ideal grew out of my knowledgeof him. How can I fail to believe in goodness, when he shows me what itcan be and do?"

"It's no use for me to say any more, for I have very little to offer. Idid not mean to say a word till I earned a right to hope for somethingin 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 goingaway without more words, accepting the inevitable as manfully as hecould. 

"Thank you that makes me feel very ungrateful and unkind. I wish I couldanswer you as you want me to for, indeed, dear Mac, I'm very fond ofyou in my own way, " and Rose looked up with such tender pity and frankaffection in her face, it was no wonder the poor fellow caught at a rayof hope and, brightening suddenly, said in his own odd way: "Couldn'tyou take me on trial while you are waiting for a true hero? It may beyears before you find him; meantime, you could be practicing on me inways that would be useful when you get him. "

"Oh, Mac! What shall I do with you?" exclaimed Rose, so curiouslyaffected by this very characteristic wooing that she did not knowwhether to laugh or cry, for he was looking at her with his heart in hiseyes, 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 asmuch as I like in mine. I'll try to be satisfied with that. " And he tookboth 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 herodid appear, what would become of you?"

"I should resemble Uncle Alec in one thing at least fidelity, for myfirst 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 yetso gently, and the thought went through her mind, "Must he, too, besolitary all his life? I have no dear lover as my mother had, why cannotI make him happy and forget myself?"

It did not seem very hard, and she owned that, even while she toldherself that compassion was no equivalent for love. She wanted to giveall she could, and keep as much of Mac's affection as she honestlymight, because it seemed to grow more sweet and precious when shethought 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, resolvingto be true to the voice of conscience, not be swayed by the impulse ofthe 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 andrespect you from the bottom of my heart, if that is any comfort, " beganRose, looking up with eyes full of contrition for the pain her replymust give. 

She got no further, however, for those last words wrought a marvelouschange in Mac. Dropping her hands, he stood erect, as if inspired withsudden energy and hope, while over his face there came a brave, brightlook, which for the moment made him a nobler and comelier man thanever handsome Prince had been. "It is a comfort!" he said, in a toneof gratitude that touched her very much. "You said your love must befounded on respect, and that you have given me why can I not earn therest? I'm nothing now, but everything is possible when one loves withall his heart and soul and strength. Rose, I will be your hero if amortal man can, even though I have to work and wait for years. I'll makeyou love me, and be glad to do it. Don't be frightened. I've not lost mywits I've just found them. I don't ask anything I'll never speak of myhope, 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 thepassion that possessed him, Mac abruptly left the room, like one eagerto change words to deeds and begin his task at once. 

Rose was so amazed by all this that she sat down trembling a little, notwith fear or anger, but a feeling half pleasure, half pain, and a senseof 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 hadknown so long an ardent, ambitious man, ready for any work now that themagical moment had come when everything seems possible to love. If hopecould work such a marvelous change for a moment, could not happinessdo it for a lifetime? It would be an exciting experiment to try, shethought, remembering the sudden illumination which made that familiarface both beautiful and strange. 

She could not help wondering how long this unsuspected sentimenthad been growing in his heart and felt perplexed by its peculiardemonstration, for she had never had a lover like this before. Ittouched and flattered her, nevertheless and she could not but feelhonored by a love so genuine and generous, for it seemed to make aman of Mac all at once, and a manly man, too, who was not daunted bydisappointment but could "hope against hope" and resolve to make herlove him if it took years to do it. 

There was the charm of novelty about this sort of wooing, and she triedto guess how he would set about it, felt curious to see how he wouldbehave when next they met, and was half angry with herself for not beingable to decide how she ought to act. The more she thought, the morebewildered 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 tryingto prepare for it and, tired with vain speculations, carried Dulce offto bed, wishing she could tuck away her love troubles as quietly andcomfortably as she did her sleepy little charge. 

Simple and sincere in all things, Mac gave Rose a new surprise bykeeping his promise to the letter asked nothing of her, said nothingof his hope, and went on as if nothing had happened, quite in the oldfriendly way. No, not quite, for now and then, when she least expectedit, she saw again the indescribable expression on his face, a lookthat seemed to shed a sudden sunshine over her, making her eyes fallinvoluntarily, her color rise, and her heart beat quicker for a moment. Not a word did he say, but she felt that a new atmosphere surroundedher when he was by, and although he used none of the little devices mostlovers employ to keep the flame alight, it was impossible to forget thatunderneath his quietude there was a hidden world of fire and force readyto appear at a touch, a word from her. 

This was rather dangerous knowledge for Rose, and she soon began to feelthat there were more subtle temptations than she had expected, for itwas impossible to be unconscious of her power, or always to resist thetrials of it which daily came unsought. She had never felt this desirebefore, for Charlie was the only one who had touched her heart, and hewas constantly asking as well as giving, and wearied her by demandingtoo much or oppressed her by offering more than she could accept. 

Mac did neither; he only loved her, silently, patiently, hopefully, andthis generous sort of fidelity was very eloquent to a nature like hers. She could not refuse or chide, since nothing was asked or urged; therewas no need of coldness, for he never presumed; no call for pity, sincehe never complained. All that could be done was to try and be as justand true as he was, and to wait as trustfully for the end, whatever itwas to be. 

For a time she liked the new interest it put into her life, yet didnothing to encourage it and thought that if she gave this love no foodit would soon starve to death. But it seemed to thrive on air, andpresently she began to feel as if a very strong will was slowly butsteadily influencing her in many ways. If Mac had never told her that hemeant to "make her love him, " she might have yielded unconsciously, butnow she mistook the impulse to obey this undercurrent for compassion andresisted stoutly, not comprehending yet the reason for the unrest whichtook 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, toguess what was the matter, but took no notice, for he knew this fevermust run its course, and much medicine only does harm. The others werebusy about their own affairs, and Aunt Plenty was too much absorbed inher rheumatism to think of love, for the cold weather set in early, andthe 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 hewould, for she decided that this silent sort of adoration was bad forher, as it prevented her from steadily pursuing the employments shehad marked out for that year. What was the use of trying to read usefulbooks when her thoughts continually wandered to those charming essays on"Love" and "Friendship"? To copy antique casts, when all the masculineheads looked like Cupid and the feminine ones like the Psyche on hermantelpiece? To practice the best music if it ended in singing over andover the pretty spring song without Phebe's bird chorus? Dulce's companywas pleasantest now, for Dulce seldom talked, so much meditation waspossible. Even Aunt Plenty's red flannel, camphor, and Pond's Extractwere preferable to general society, and long solitary rides on Rosaseemed the only thing to put her in tune after one of her attempts tofind 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 markingcan you make me one, Uncle?" she asked, popping her head in to be surehe was alone. 

"Yes, my dear, " answered a voice so like the doctor's that she enteredwithout delay. 

But before she had taken three steps she stopped, looking ratherannoyed, for the head that rose from behind the tall desk was not roughand gray, but brown and smooth, and Mac, not Uncle Alec, sat therewriting. Late experience had taught her that she had nothing to fearfrom a tete-a-tete and, having with difficulty taken a resolution, shedid 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 tocut it, as quietly as Nicholas did on that "thrilling" occasion. Perhapshe 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 seeyou doing that, " she added, taking courage from his composure and goingas 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 touchedthe closely written page before him, looking as if she would like toread 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 writeromances I'm living one, " and he glanced up with the happy, hopefulexpression which always made her feel as if he was heaping coals of fireon her head. 

"I wish you wouldn't look at me in that way it fidgets me, " she said alittle petulantly, for she had been out riding, and knew that she didnot present a "spiritual" appearance after the frosty air had reddenednose as well as cheeks. 

"I'll try to remember. It does itself before I know it. Perhaps this maymend matters. " And, taking out the blue glasses he sometimes wore in thewind, he gravely put them on. 

Rose could not help laughing, but his obedience only aggravated her, forshe 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 whenI do not feel so, " she said, finding it impossible to guess what hewould do next or to help enjoying his peculiarities. 

"But you don't to me, for in spite of the goggles everything isrose-colored now. " And he pocketed the glasses without a murmur at thecharming inconsistency of his idol. 

"Really, Mac, I'm tired of this nonsense, it worries me and wastes yourtime. "

"Never worked harder. But does it really trouble you to know I loveyou?" he asked anxiously. 

"Don't you see how cross it makes me?" And she walked away, feeling thatthings 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 Imay, some ten years hence, " said this persistent suitor, quite undauntedby 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 suchindomitable hopefulness. 

"But you can't help it, nor can I so I must go on doing it with all myheart till you marry, and then well, then I'm afraid I may hate somebodyinstead, " 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 nicegirls who will be glad to make you happy, " said Rose, intent upon endingher disquiet in some way. 

"That is too easy. I enjoy working for my blessings, and the harder Ihave 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 passionwhich both touched and tormented her. 

"Try and see. " But there was a traitorous glimmer in Mac's eyes whichplainly showed what a failure it would be. 

"No, I'll get something to do, so absorbing I shall forget all aboutyou. "

"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 toolate, and she added hastily, "That is, I cannot help wishing you wouldforget me. It is a great disappointment to find I was mistaken when Ihoped such fine things of you. "

"Yes, you were very sure that it was love when it was poetry, and nowyou want poetry when I've nothing on hand but love. Will both togetherplease you?"

"Try and see. "

"I'll do my best. Anything else?" he asked, forgetting the small taskshe 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 itI'll venture to ask. Did you care about me when you read Keats to melast summer?"

"No. "

"When did you begin?" asked Rose, smiling in spite of herself at hisunflattering honesty. 

"How can I tell? Perhaps it did begin up there, though, for that talkset 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 themwhen they came, and give them out again as unconsciously as a flowerdoes its breath. I longed for you to come home, and wanted you to findme altered for the better in some way as I had found you. And when youcame it was very easy to see why I needed you to love you entirely, andto tell you so. That's all, Rose. "

A short story, but it was enough the voice that told it with such simpletruth made the few words so eloquent, Rose felt strongly tempted to addthe sequel Mac desired. But her eyes had fallen as he spoke, for sheknew his were fixed upon her, dark and dilated, with the same repressedemotion that put such fervor into his quiet tones, and just as she wasabout to look up, they fell on a shabby little footstool. Trifles affectwomen curiously, and often most irresistibly when some agitation swaysthem. The sight of the old hassock vividly recalled Charlie, for hehad kicked it on the night she never liked to remember. Like a spark itfired a long train of recollections, and the thought went through hermind: "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 feelingis very different, but too new and sudden to be trusted. I'll neitherlook nor speak till I am quite sure, for Mac's love is far deeper thanpoor Charlie's, and I must be very true. "

Not in words did the resolve shape itself, but in a quick impulse, whichshe 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 lookingdown with fingers intertwined and color varying in her cheeks. A foolishattitude, but Mac thought it a sweet picture of maiden hesitation andbegan to hope that a month's wooing was about to end in winning for alifetime. He deceived himself, however, and cold water fell upon hisflame, subduing but by no means quenching it, when Rose looked up withan air of determination which could not escape eyes that were growingwonderfully farsighted lately. 

"I came in here to beg Uncle to advise you to go away soon. You are verypatient and forbearing, and I feel it more than I can tell. But itis not good for you to depend on anyone so much for your happiness, Ithink, and I know it is bad for me to feel that I have so much powerover a fellow creature. Go away, Mac, and see if this isn't all amistake. Don't let a fancy for me change or delay your work, becauseit may end as suddenly as it began, and then we should both reproachourselves 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 notsure I want to think it is too soon to know yet. "

Rose began bravely, but ended in a fluttered sort of way as she movedtoward the door, for Mac's face though it fell at first, brightenedas she went on, and at the last word, uttered almost involuntarily, heactually laughed low to himself, as if this order into exile pleased himmuch. 

"Don't say that you give nothing, when you've just shown me that I'mgetting on. I'll go; I'll go at once, and see if absence won't helpyou 'to think, to know, and to be sure' as it did me. I wish I could dosomething more for you. As I can't, good-bye. "

"Are you going now?" And Rose paused in her retreat to look back with astartled face as he offered her a badly made pen and opened the doorfor her just as Dr. Alec always did; for, in spite of himself, Mac didresemble the best of uncles. 

"Not yet, but you seem to be. "

Rose turned as red as a poppy, snatched the pen, and flew upstairs, tocall herself hard names as she industriously spoiled all Aunt Plenty'snew pocket handkerchiefs by marking them "A. M. C. "

Three days later Mac said "good-bye" in earnest, and no one wassurprised that he left somewhat abruptly, such being his way, and acourse of lectures by a famous physician the ostensible reason for atrip to L----. Uncle Alec deserted most shamefully at the last momentby sending word that he would be at the station to see the traveleroff, Aunt Plenty was still in her room, so when Mac came down from hisfarewell to her, Rose met him in the hall, as if anxious not to delayhim. She was a little afraid of another tete-a-tete, as she fared sobadly at the last, and had assumed a calm and cousinly air which sheflattered herself would plainly show on what terms she wished to part. 

Mac apparently understood, and not only took the hint, but surpassed herin cheerful composure, for, merely saying "Good-bye, Cousin; writewhen you feel like it, " he shook hands and walked out of the house astranquilly as if only a day instead of three months were to pass beforethey met again. Rose felt as if a sudden shower bath had chilled herand was about to retire, saying to herself with disdainful decision:"There's no love about it after all, only one of the eccentricities ofgenius, " when a rush of cold air made her turn to find herself in whatappeared to be the embrace of an impetuous overcoat, which wrapped herclose for an instant, then vanished as suddenly as it had come, leavingher to hide in the sanctum and confide to Psyche with a tender sort oftriumph in her breathless voice: "No, no, it isn't genius that must belove!"

Chapter 19 BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN

Two days after Christmas a young man of serious aspect might have beenseen entering one of the large churches at L----. Being shown to a seat, he joined in the services with praiseworthy devotion, especially themusic, to which he listened with such evident pleasure that a gentlemanwho sat nearby felt moved to address this appreciative stranger afterchurch. 

"Fine sermon today. Ever heard our minister before, sir?" he began, asthey went down the aisle together among the last, for the young man hadlingered as if admiring the ancient building. 

"Very fine. No, sir, I have never had that pleasure. I've often wishedto see this old place, and am not at all disappointed. Your choir, too, is unusually good, " answered the stranger, glancing up at severalbonnets bobbing about behind the half-drawn curtains above. 

"Finest in the city, sir. We pride ourselves on our music, and alwayshave the best. People often come for that alone. " And the old gentlemanlooked as satisfied as if a choir of cherubim and seraphim "continuallydid cry" in his organ loft. 

"Who is the contralto? That solo was beautifully sung, " observed theyounger man, pausing to read a tablet on the wall. 

"That is Miss Moore. Been here about a year, and is universallyadmired. Excellent young lady couldn't do without her. Sings superbly inoratorios. Ever heard her?"

"Never. She came from X, I believe?

"Yes, highly recommended. She was brought up by one of the firstfamilies there. Campbell is the name. If you come from X, you doubtlessknow them. "

"I have met them. Good morning. " And with bows the gentlemen parted, forat that instant the young man caught sight of a tall lady going down thechurch steps with a devout expression in her fine eyes and a prayer-bookin her hand. 

Hastening after her, the serious-minded young man accosted her just asshe turned into a quiet street. 

"Phebe!"

Only a word, but it wrought a marvelous change, for the devoutexpression vanished in the drawing of a breath, and the quiet faceblossomed suddenly with color, warmth, and "the light that never was onsea or land" as she turned to meet her lover with an answering word aseloquent 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. " Anddrawing her hand through his arm, Archie led her into what to othereyes 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 thepale sunshine, quite unconscious that they were objects of interestto several ladies and gentlemen waiting anxiously for their dinner oryawning over the dull books kept for Sunday reading. "Are you readyto come home now, Phebe?" asked Archie tenderly as he looked at thedowncast face beside him and wondered why all women did not weardelightful little black velvet bonnets with one deep red flower againsttheir hair. 

"Not yet. I haven't done enough, " began Phebe, finding it very hard tokeep the resolution made a year ago. 

"You have proved that you can support yourself, make friends, and earn aname, if you choose. No one can deny that, and we are all getting proudof you. What more can you ask, my dearest?"

"I don't quite know, but I am very ambitious. I want to be famous, to dosomething 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 longerI know I haven't earned my welcome yet, " pleaded Phebe so earnestlythat her lover knew it would be in vain to try and turn her, so wiselycontented himself with half, since he could not have the whole. 

"Such a proud woman! Yet I love you all the better for it, andunderstand your feeling. Rose made me see how it seems to you, and Idon'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 onecondition, Phebe. "

"And what is that?"

"You are to let me come sometimes while I wait, and wear this lest youshould forget me, " he said, pulling a ring from his pocket and gentlydrawing a warm, bare hand out of the muff where it lay hidden. 

"Yes, Archie, but not here not now!" cried Phebe, glancing about her asif 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 justwhere the fountain hid them from all eyes, for there were houses only onone side. 

Phebe submitted and never did a plain gold ring slip more easily to itsplace 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, andthe other to its old place on his arm with a confiding gesture, as if ithad a right there. 

"Now I feel sure of you, " said Archie as they went on again, and no onethe wiser for that tender transaction behind the ugly pyramid of boards. "Mac wrote me that you were much admired by your church people, and thatcertain wealthy bachelors evidently had designs on the retiring MissMoore. I was horribly jealous, but now I defy every man of them. "

Phebe smiled with the air of proud humility that was so becoming andanswered 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 asif he expected to make a great sensation with his news. 

"I know it. " And Phebe laughed at his sudden change of countenance as headded inquiringly, "She told you, then?"

"Not a word. I guessed it from her letters, for lately she says nothingabout Mac, and before there was a good deal, so I suspected what thesilence 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'lltake 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 Janefrom driving me stark mad with her 'advice. ' I don't forget that, andburned to lend him a hand somewhere, but he begged me to let him managehis wooing in his own way. And from what I see, I should say he knew howto do it, " added Archie, finding it very delightful to gossip about loveaffairs with his sweetheart. 

"Dear little mistress! How does she behave?" asked Phebe, longingfor news, but too grateful to ask at headquarters, remembering howgenerously Rose had tried to help her, even by silence, the greatestsacrifice a woman can make at such interesting periods. 

"Very sweet and shy and charming. I try not to watch but upon my word Icannot help it sometimes, she is so 'cunning, ' as you girls say. When Icarry her a letter from Mac she tries so hard not to show how glad sheis that I want to laugh and tell her I know all about it. But I look assober as a judge and as stupid as an owl by daylight, and she enjoys herletters in peace and thinks I'm so absorbed in my own passion that I'mblind 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'tthe Mac I left a year ago, " said Phebe, leading Archie away, forinexorable propriety forbade a longer stay, even if prudence and dutyhad not given her a reminding nudge, as it was very cold, and afternoonchurch came in an hour. 

"Well, you see Mac was always peculiar, and he cannot even grow up likeother fellows. I don't understand him yet, and am sure he's got someplan in his head that no one suspects, unless it is Uncle Alec. Lovemakes us all cut queer capers, and I've an idea that the Don willdistinguish himself in some uncommon way. So be prepared to applaudwhatever it is. We owe him that, you know. "

"Indeed we do! If Rose ever speaks of him to you, tell her I shall seethat he comes to no harm, and she must do the same for my Archie. "

That unusual demonstration of tenderness from reserved Phebe verynaturally turned the conversation into a more personal channel, andArchie devoted himself to building castles in the air so successfullythat they passed the material mansion without either being aware of it. 

"Will you come in?" asked Phebe when the mistake was rectified and shestood on her own steps looking down at her escort, who had discreetlyreleased her before a pull at the bell caused five heads to pop up atfive different windows. 

"No, thanks. I shall be at church this afternoon, and the oratorio thisevening. I must be off early in the morning, so let me make the most ofprecious time and come home with you tonight as I did before, " answeredArchie, making his best bow, and quite sure of consent. 

"You may. " And Phebe vanished, closing the door softly, as if she foundit hard to shut out so much love and happiness as that in the heart ofthe sedate young gentleman who went briskly down the street humming averse 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 quiteelectrified even her best friends by the skill and power with which sherendered "Inflammatus" in the oratorio. 

"If that is not genius, I should like to know what it is?" said oneyoung man to another as they went out just before the general crush atthe 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 greatrace, " answered the second young man with the look of one inclined totry his hand at driving that immortal span. 

"Daresay you are right. Can't stop now she's waiting for me. Don't situp, Mac. "

"The gods go with you, Archie. "

And the cousins separated one to write till midnight, the other to bidhis Phebe good-bye, little dreaming how unexpectedly and successfullyshe was to earn her welcome home. 

Chapter 20 WHAT MAC DID

Rose, meantime, was trying to find out what the sentiment was withwhich she regarded her cousin Mac. She could not seem to reconcile thecharacter she had known so long with the new one lately shown her, andthe idea of loving the droll, bookish, absentminded Mac of former timesappeared quite impossible and absurd, but the new Mac, wide awake, fullof talent, ardent and high-handed, was such a surprise to her, she feltas if her heart was being won by a stranger, and it became her to studyhim well before yielding to a charm which she could not deny. 

Affection came naturally, and had always been strong for the boy; regardfor the studious youth easily deepened to respect for the integrity ofthe young man, and now something warmer was growing up within her; butat first she could not decide whether it was admiration for the rapidunfolding 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 bookplainly bound and modestly entitled Songs and Sonnets. After readingthis with ever-growing surprise and delight, Rose never had anotherdoubt about the writer's being a poet, for though she was no critic, shehad read the best authors and knew what was good. Unpretentious as itwas, this had the true ring, and its very simplicity showed consciouspower for, unlike so many first attempts, the book was not full of "MyLady, " 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 colored medieval word pictures so muchin vogue. "My book should smell of pines, and resound with the hum ofinsects, " might have been its motto, so sweet and wholesome was it witha springlike sort of freshness which plainly betrayed that the authorhad learned some of Nature's deepest secrets and possessed the skill totell them in tuneful words. The songs went ringing through one's memorylong after they were read, and the sonnets were full of the subtlebeauty, 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 Machad not "kept good company, read good books, loved good things, andcultivated soul and body as faithfully as he could" in vain. It alltold now, for truth and virtue had blossomed into character and had alanguage of their own more eloquent than the poetry to which they werewhat the fragrance is to the flower. Wiser critics than Rose felt andadmired this; less partial ones could not deny their praise to a firsteffort, 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 foundhimself, not exactly famous, but much talked about. One set abused, theother set praised, and the little book was sadly mauled among them, forit was too original to be ignored, and too robust to be killed by hardusage, so it came out of the fray none the worse but rather brighter, ifanything, for the friction which proved the gold genuine. 

This took time, however, and Rose could only sit at home reading all thenotices she could get, as well as the literary gossip Phebe senther, for Mac seldom wrote, and never a word about himself, so Phebeskillfully extracted from him in their occasional meetings all thepersonal 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 theirrespective lovers. Phebe wrote about Mac; Rose answered with minuteparticulars about Archie; and both added hasty items concerning theirown affairs, as if these were of little consequence. 

Phebe got the most satisfaction out of the correspondence, for soonafter the book appeared Rose began to want Mac home again and to berather jealous of the new duties and delights that kept him. She wasimmensely proud of her poet, and had little jubilees over the beautifulfulfillment of her prophecies, for even Aunt Plenty owned now withcontrition that "the boy was not a fool. " Every word of praise wasread aloud on the housetops, so to speak, by happy Rose; every adversecriticism was hotly disputed; and the whole family was in a great stateof pleasant excitement over this unexpectedly successful first flight ofthe Ugly Duckling, now generally considered by his relatives as the mostpromising young swan of the flock. 

Aunt Jane was particularly funny in her new position of mother to acallow poet and conducted herself like a proud but bewildered hen whenone of her brood takes to the water. She pored over the poems, tryingto appreciate them but quite failing to do so, for life was all prose toher, and she vainly tried to discover where Mac got his talent from. Itwas pretty to see the new respect with which she treated his possessionsnow; the old books were dusted with a sort of reverence; scraps of paperwere laid carefully by lest some immortal verse be lost; and a certainshabby velvet jacket fondly smoothed when no one was by to smile atthe maternal pride with filled her heart and caused her once severecountenance to shine with unwonted benignity. 

Uncle Mac talked about "my son" with ill-concealed satisfaction, andevidently began to feel as if his boy was going to confer distinctionupon the whole race of Campbell, which had already possessed one poet. Steve exulted with irrepressible delight and went about quoting Songsand Sonnets till he bored his friends dreadfully by his fraternalraptures. 

Archie took it more quietly, and even suggested that it was too soon tocrow yet, for the dear old fellow's first burst might be his last, sinceit was impossible to predict what he would do next. Having proved thathe could write poetry, he might drop it for some new world to conquer, quoting his favorite Thoreau, who, having made a perfect pencil, gaveup the business and took to writing books with the sort of indelible inkwhich grows clearer with time. 

The aunts of course had their "views, " and enjoyed much prophetic gossipas they wagged their caps over many social cups of tea. The younger boysthought it "very jolly, " and hoped the Don would "go ahead and cometo 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 concentratedcontentment was he. No one but Rose, perhaps, knew how proud and pleasedthe good man felt at this first small success of his godson, for he hadalways had high hopes of the boy, because in spite of his oddities hehad such an upright nature, and promising little, did much, with thequiet persistence which foretells a manly character. All the romanceof the doctor's heart was stirred by this poetic bud of promise andthe love that made it bloom so early, for Mac had confided his hopes toUncle, finding great consolation and support in his sympathy and advice. Like a wise man, Dr. Alec left the young people to learn the greatlesson in their own way, counseling Mac to work and Rose to wait tillboth were quite certain that their love was built on a surer foundationthan 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 fervorcertain sonnets which seemed to him quite equal, if not superior, toany that Shakespeare ever wrote. As Rose was doing the same thing, theyoften met for a private "read and warble, " as they called it, and whilediscussing the safe subject of Mac's poetry, both arrived at a prettyclear 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 hisfamily 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 whatpoor specimens are patted and petted every year, in spite of their badmanners, foolish vagaries, and very feeble roaring. Mac did not want tobe lionized and took it rather scornfully, which only added to the charmthat people suddenly discovered about the nineteenth cousin of ThomasCampbell, the poet. He desired to be distinguished in the best senseof the word, as well as to look so, and thought a little of the polishsociety gives would not be amiss, remembering Rose's efforts in thatline. For her sake he came out of his shell and went about seeing andtesting all sorts of people with those observing eyes of his, which sawso much in spite of their nearsightedness. What use he meant to make ofthese new experiences no one knew, for he wrote short letters and, when questioned, answered with imperturbable patience: "Wait till I getthrough; then I'll come home and talk about it. "

So everyone waited for the poet, till something happened whichproduced a greater sensation in the family than if all the boys hadsimultaneously taken to rhyming. 

Dr. Alec got very impatient and suddenly announced that he was going toL to see after those young people, for Phebe was rapidly singing herselfinto public favor with the sweet old ballads which she rendered sobeautifully that hearers were touched as well as ears delighted, and herprospects brightened every month. 

"Will you come with me, Rose, and surprise this ambitious pair who aregetting famous so fast they'll forget their homekeeping friends if wedon't remind them of us now and then?" he said when he proposed the tripone wild March morning. 

"No, thank you, sir I'll stay with Aunty; that is all I'm fit for andI 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, andcould 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 concertat which Phebe surpassed herself. 

"No, but they must be very busy, " began Rose, wishing she had held hertongue. 

"Then what is the matter?" persisted Dr. Alec. 

Rose did not speak for a moment, and decapitated two fine geraniums witha reckless slash of her scissors, as if pent-up vexation of some kindmust find a vent. It did in words also, for, as if quite against herwill, she exclaimed impetuously: "The truth is, I'm jealous of themboth!"

"Bless my soul! What now?" ejaculated the doctor in great surprise. 

Rose put down her water pot and shears, came and stood before him withher hands nervously twisted together, and said, just as she used to dowhen she was a little girl confessing some misdeed: "Uncle, I must tellyou, 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 beingjealous 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 dosomething splendid as well as they. I can't write poetry or sing like abird, but I should think I might have my share of glory in some way. Ithought perhaps I could paint, and I've tried, but I can only copy I'veno power to invent lovely things, and I'm so discouraged, for that ismy one accomplishment. Do you think I have any gift that could becultivated and do me credit like theirs?" she asked so wistfully thather uncle felt for a moment as if he never could forgive the fairies whoendow babies in their cradles for being so niggardly to his girl. Butone look into the sweet, open face before him reminded him that the goodelves had been very generous and he answered cheerfully: "Yes, I do, foryou have one of the best and noblest gifts a woman can possess. Musicand poetry are fine things, and I don't wonder you want them, or thatyou envy the pleasant fame they bring. I've felt just so, and been readyto 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 verycomfortable, but so quiet and uneventful, I get tired of it and want tolaunch out as the others have, and do something, or at least try. I'mglad you think it isn't very bad of me, and I'd like to know what mygift is, " said Rose, looking less despondent already. 

"The art of living for others so patiently and sweetly that we enjoy itas we do the sunshine, and are not half grateful enough for the greatblessing. "

"It is very kind of you to say so, but I think I'd like a little fun andfame nevertheless. " And Rose did not look as thankful as she ought. 

"Very natural, dear, but the fun and the fame do not last, while thememory of a real helper is kept green long after poetry is forgotten andmusic 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 wasreally of any use, " sighed Rose, thinking of the long, dull winter, fullof efforts that seemed fruitless. 

"Sit here, and let us see if you really do very little and if no onecares. " And, drawing her to his knee, Dr. Alec went on, telling off eachitem on one of the fingers of the soft hand he held. 

"First, an infirm old aunt is kept very happy by the patient, cheerfulcare of this good-for-nothing niece. Secondly, a crotchety uncle, forwhom she reads, runs, writes, and sews so willingly that he cannot geton without her. Thirdly, various relations who are helped in variousways. Fourthly, one dear friend never forgotten, and a certain cousincheered by praise which is more to him than the loudest blast Fame couldblow. Fifthly, several young girls find her an example of many goodworks and ways. Sixthly, a motherless baby is cared for as tenderly asif she were a little sister. Seventhly, half a dozen poor ladies madecomfortable; and, lastly, some struggling boys and girls with artisticlongings are put into a pleasant room furnished with casts, studies, easels, and all manner of helpful things, not to mention free lessonsgiven by this same idle girl, who now sits upon my knee owning toherself that her gift is worth having after all. "

"Indeed, I am! Uncle, I'd no idea I had done so many things to pleaseyou, 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 forpraise, 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 lifelike this often makes itself felt in better ways than one that the worldsees and applauds, and some of the noblest are never known till theyend, leaving a void in many hearts. Yours may be one of these if youchoose 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 heruncle's face with a much happier expression when that last word madeit color brightly and the eyes glance away for a second. Then they cameback full of a tender sort of resolution as she said: "That will bethe reward I work for, " and rose, as if ready to be up and doing withrenewed courage. 

But her uncle held her long enough to ask quite soberly, though his eyeslaughed: "Shall I tell him that?"

"No, sir, please don't! When he is tired of other people's praise, hewill 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 cameto give to her face the charm it needed. 

"He is such a thorough fellow, he never is in a hurry to go from onething to another. An excellent habit, but a trifle trying to impatientpeople like me, " said the doctor and, picking up Dulce, who sat uponthe rug with her dolly, he composed his feelings by tossing her till shecrowed with delight. 

Rose heartily echoed that last remark, but said nothing aloud, onlyhelped her uncle off with dutiful alacrity and, when he was gone, beganto count the days till his return, wishing she had decided to go too. 

He wrote often, giving excellent accounts of the "great creatures, " asSteve called Phebe and Mac, and seemed to find so much to do in variousways that the second week of absence was nearly over before he set aday for his return, promising to astonish them with the account of hisadventures. 

Rose felt as if something splendid was going to happen and set heraffairs in order so that the approaching crisis might find her fullyprepared. She had "found out" now, was quite sure, and put away alldoubts and fears to be ready to welcome home the cousin whom she wassure Uncle would bring as her reward. She was thinking of this one dayas she got out her paper to write a long letter to poor Aunt Clara, whopined for news far away there in Calcutta. 

Something in the task reminded her of that other lover whose wooingended so tragically, and opening a little drawer of keepsakes, she tookout the blue bracelet, feeling that she owed Charlie a tender thought inthe 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 timeafter his death, with the regretful constancy one sometimes shows indoing some little kindness all too late. But her arm had grown too roundto 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 thesentiment 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 lifethe one sad and disturbing, the other sweet and inspiring "Charlie's waspassion Mac's is love. "

"Rose! Rose!" called a shrill voice, rudely breaking the pensivereverie, and with a start, she shut the desk, exclaiming as she ran tothe 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 theinstant her eyes fell upon Aunt Plenty, hobbling downstairs with hercap awry, her face pale, and a letter flapping wildly in her hand as shecried distractedly: "Oh, my boy! My boy! Sick, and I not there to nursehim! Malignant fever, so far away. What can those children do? Why did Ilet Alec go?"

Rose got her into the parlor, and while the poor old lady lamented, sheread the letter which Phebe had sent to her that she might "break thenews carefully to Rose. "

DEAR MISS PLENTY, Please read this to yourself first, and tell my littlemistress as you think best. The dear doctor is very ill, but I am withhim, 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 skilland entire devotion can do. He would not let us tell you before, fearingyou would try to come at the risk of your health. Indeed it would beuseless, for only one nurse is needed, and I came first, so do not letRose or anybody else rob me of my right to the danger and the duty. Machas written to his father, for Dr. Alec is now too ill to know what wedo, and we both felt that you ought to be told without further delay. Hehas a bad malignant fever, caught no one can tell how, unless among somepoor emigrants whom he met wandering about quite forlorn in a strangecity. He understood Portuguese and sent them to a proper place when theyhad told their story. But I fear he has suffered for his kindness, forthis 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 sogladly for this friend who has been a father to me. Tell Rose his lastconscious word and thought were for her. "Don't let her come; keep mydarling 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 havethe best physicians, and everything is going as well as can be hopedtill the fever turns. 

Dear Miss Plenty, pray for him and for me, that I may do this one happything 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 newsand the great danger, she found that the old lady had already stoppeduseless bewailing and was praying heartily, like one who knew well wherehelp was to be found. Rose went and knelt down at her knee, laying herface on the clasped hands in her lap, and for a few minutes neitherwept nor spoke. Then a stifled sob broke from the girl, and Aunt Plentygathered the young head in her arms, saying, with the slow tears of agetrickling down her own withered cheeks: "Bear up, my lamb, bear up. Thegood Lord won't take him from us I am sure and that brave child will beallowed 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 dangeris, " cried Rose, full of a tender jealousy of Phebe for being first tobrave 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, 'Keepaway. ' I know those fevers, and the ones who nurse often take it, andfare worse for the strain they've been through. Good girl to stand by sobravely, to be so sensible, and not let Mac go too near! She's a grandnurse Alec couldn't have a better, and she'll never leave him till he'ssafe, " said Miss Plenty excitedly. 

"Ah, you begin to know her now, and value her as you ought. I think fewwould have done as she has, and if she does get ill and die, it will beour fault partly, because she'd go through fire and water to make usdo her justice and receive her as we ought, " cried Rose, proud of anexample which she longed to follow. 

"If she brings my boy home, I'll never say another word. She may marryevery 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 payfor such a deed. 

Rose was going to clap her hands, but wrung them instead, rememberingwith a sudden pang that the battle was not over yet, and it was much toosoon to award the honors. 

Before she could speak Uncle Mac and Aunt Jane hurried in, for Mac'sletter had come with the other, and dismay fell upon the family at thethought of danger to the well-beloved Uncle Alec. His brother decidedto go at once, and Aunt Jane insisted on accompanying him, though allagreed that nothing could be done but wait, and leave Phebe at her postas long as she held out, since it was too late to save her from dangernow and Mac reported her quite equal to the task. 

Great was the hurry and confusion till the relief party was off. AuntPlenty was heartbroken that she could not go with them, but felt thatshe was too infirm to be useful and, like a sensible old soul, tried tocontent herself with preparing all sorts of comforts for the invalid. Rose was less patient, and at first had wild ideas of setting off aloneand forcing her way to the spot where all her thoughts now centered. Butbefore she could carry out any rash project, Aunt Myra's palpitationsset in so alarmingly that they did good service for once and kept Rosebusy taking her last directions and trying to soothe her dying bed, foreach 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 wasconstantly employed in answering inquiries, for her knocker kept up asteady tattoo for several days. All sorts of people came: gentlefolkand paupers, children with anxious little faces, old people full ofsympathy, pretty girls sobbing as they went away, and young men whorelieved their feelings by swearing at all emigrants in general andPortuguese in particular. It was touching and comforting to see how manyloved the good man who was known only by his benefactions and now laysuffering far away, quite unconscious how many unsuspected charitieswere brought to light by this grateful solicitude as hidden flowersspring 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, howwide the influence, how much more precious the tender tie which knit somany hearts together than any breath of fame or brilliant talent thatdazzled but did not win and warm. In after years she found how true heruncle's words had been and, listening to eulogies of great men, feltless moved and inspired by praises of their splendid gifts than by thesight of some good man's patient labor for the poorest of his kind. Herheroes ceased to be the world's favorites and became such as Garrisonfighting for his chosen people; Howe restoring lost senses to the deaf, the dumb, and blind; Sumner unbribable, when other men were bought andsold and many a large-hearted woman working as quietly as Abby Gibbons, who for thirty years had made Christmas merry for two hundred littlepaupers in a city almshouse, besides saving Magdalens and teachingconvicts. 

The lesson came to Rose when she was ready for it, and showed her whata noble profession philanthropy is, made her glad of her choice, andhelped fit her for a long life full of the loving labor and sweetsatisfaction unostentatious charity brings to those who ask no rewardand are content if "only God knows. "

Several anxious weeks went by with wearing fluctuations of hope andfear, for Life and Death fought over the prize each wanted, and morethan once Death seemed to have won. But Phebe stood at her post, defyingboth danger and Death with the courage and devotion women often show. All her soul and strength were in her work, and when it seemed mosthopeless, she cried out with the passionate energy which seems to sendsuch 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 workmiracles when other aids are in vain. Phebe's cry was answered, herself-forgetful task accomplished, and her long vigil rewarded with ahappy dawn. Dr. Alec always said that she kept him alive by the force ofher 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 fromthe swift current trying to sweep him away. The happiest hour of all herlife was that in which he knew her, looked up with the shadow of a smilein his hollow eyes, and tried to say in his old cheery way: "Tell RoseI've turned the corner, thanks to you, my child. "

She answered very quietly, smoothed the pillow, and saw him drop asleepagain before she stole away into the other room, meaning to write thegood news, but could only throw herself down and find relief for a fullheart 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 nowindeed a post of honor while he ran off to send home a telegram whichmade many hearts sing for joy and caused Jamie, in his first burst ofdelight, 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!" Ageneral desire to rush away and assure themselves of the truth pervadedthe family for some days, and nothing but awful threats from Mac, sternmandates from the doctor, and entreaties from Phebe not to undo her workkept 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 spidersand drove charwomen distracted. If the old house had been infected withsmallpox, it could not have been more vigorously scrubbed, aired, andrefreshed. Early as it was, every carpet was routed up, curtains pulleddown, cushions banged, and glory holes turned out till not a speck ofdust, a last year's fly, or stray straw could be found. Then they allsat down and rested in such an immaculate mansion that one hardly daredto move for fear of destroying the shining order everywhere visible. 

It was late in April before this was accomplished, and the necessaryquarantine of the absentees well over. The first mild days seemed tocome early, so that Dr. Alec might return with safety from the journeywhich had so nearly been his last. It was perfectly impossible to keepany member of the family away on that great occasion. They came from allquarters in spite of express directions to the contrary, for the invalidwas still very feeble and no excitement must be allowed. As if the windcarried the glad news, Uncle Jem came into port the night before; Willand Geordie got a leave on their own responsibility; Steve would havedefied the entire faculty, had it been necessary; and Uncle Mac andArchie said simultaneously, "Business be hanged today. "

Of course the aunts arrived in all their best, all cautioning everybodyelse to keep quiet and all gabbling excitedly at the least provocation. Jamie suffered the most during that day, so divided was he between thedesire to behave well and the frantic impulse to shout at the top of hisvoice, turn somersaults, and race all over the house. Occasional boltsinto the barn, where he let off steam by roaring and dancing jigs, tothe great dismay of the fat old horses and two sedate cows, helped himto get through that trying period. 

But the heart that was fullest beat and fluttered in Rose's bosom asshe went about putting spring flowers everywhere; very silent, but soradiant with happiness that the aunts watched her, saying softly to oneanother, "Could an angel look sweeter?"

If angels ever wore pale green gowns and snowdrops in their hair, hadcountenances full of serenest joy, and large eyes shining with an inwardlight that made them very lovely, then Rose did look like one. But shefelt like a woman and well she might, for was not life very rich thatday, 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 thecreature they believed her, and to return the love they gave her withone as faithful, pure, and deep? Among the portraits in the hall hungone of Dr. Alec, done soon after his return by Charlie in one of hisbrief fits of inspiration. Only a crayon, but wonderfully lifelike andcarefully finished, as few of the others were. This had been handsomelyframed and now held the place of honor, garlanded with green wreaths, while the great Indian jar below blazed with a pyramid of hothouseflowers sent by Kitty. Rose was giving these a last touch, with Dulceclose by, cooing over a handful of sweet "daffydowndillies, " when thesound of wheels sent her flying to the door. She meant to have spokenthe first welcome and had the first embrace, but when she saw thealtered face in the carriage, the feeble figure being borne up the stepsby 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 foryou, my darling, all for you!"

"Oh, Phebe, never say again you owe me anything! I never can repay youfor this, " was all Rose had time to answer as they stood one instantcheek to cheek, heart to heart, both too full of happiness for manywords. 

Aunt Plenty had heard the wheels also and, as everybody rose en masse, had said as impressively as extreme agitation would allow, while sheput her glasses on upside down and seized a lace tidy instead of herhandkerchief: "Stop! All stay here, and let me receive Alec. Rememberhis weak state, and be calm, quite calm, as I am. '

"Yes, Aunt, certainly, " was the general murmur of assent, but it wasas impossible to obey as it would have been to keep feathers still ina gale, and one irresistible impulse carried the whole roomful into thehall to behold Aunt Plenty beautifully illustrating her own theory ofcomposure by waving the tidy wildly, rushing into Dr. Alec's arms, andlaughing and crying with a hysterical abandonment which even Aunt Myracould not have surpassed. 

The tearful jubilee was soon over, however, and no one seemed theworse for it, for the instant his arms were at liberty, Dr. Alec forgothimself and began to make other people happy by saying seriously, thoughhis thin face beamed paternally, as he drew Phebe forward: "Aunt Plenty, but for this good daughter I never should have come back to be sowelcomed. 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 tendernesstrembling in her voice: "I'm proud to do it for her own sake. I askpardon for my silly prejudices, and I'll prove that I'm sincere bywhere's that boy?"

There were six boys present, but the right one was in exactly the rightplace at the right moment, and, seizing Archie's hand, Aunt Plenty putPhebe's into it, trying to say something appropriately solemn, but couldnot, so hugged them both and sobbed out: "If I had a dozen nephews, I'dgive them all to you, my dear, and dance at the wedding, though I hadrheumatism in every limb. "

That was better than any oration, for it set them all to laughing, andDr. Alec was floated to the sofa on a gentle wave of merriment. Oncethere, everyone but Rose and Aunt Plenty was ordered off by Mac, who wasin 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 aspossible after the journey, so all say 'good-bye' now and call againtomorrow, " he said, watching his uncle anxiously as he leaned in thesofa corner, with four women taking off his wraps, three boys contendingfor his overshoes, two brothers shaking hands at short intervals, andAunt Myra holding a bottle of strong salts under his devoted nose everytime there was an opening anywhere. 

With difficulty the house was partially cleared, and then, while AuntPlenty mounted guard over her boy, Rose stole away to see if Mac hadgone with the rest, for as yet they had hardly spoken in the joyfulflurry, though eyes and hands had met. 

Chapter 22 SHORT AND SWEET

In the hall she found Steve and Kitty, for he had hidden his littlesweetheart behind the big couch, feeling that she had a right there, having supported his spirits during the late anxiety with greatconstancy and courage. They seemed so cozy, billing and cooing in theshadow of the gay vase, that Rose would have slipped silently away ifthey had not seen and called to her. "He's not gone I guess you'll findhim in the parlor, " said Steve, divining with a lover's instinct themeaning of the quick look she had cast at the hat rack as she shut thestudy door behind her. 

"Mercy, no! Archie and Phebe are there, so he'd have the sense to popinto the sanctum and wait, unless you'd like me to go and bring himout?" added Kitty, smoothing Rose's ruffled hair and settling theflowers on the bosom where Uncle Alec's head had lain until he fellasleep. 

"No, thank you, I'll go to him when I've seen my Phebe. She won't mindme, " answered Rose, moving on to the parlor. 

"Look here, " called Steve, "do advise them to hurry up and all bemarried at once. We were just ready when Uncle fell ill, and now wecannot wait a day later than the first of May. "

"Rather short notice, " laughed Rose, looking back with the doorknob inher hand. 

"We'll give up all our splendor, and do it as simply as you like, ifyou will only come too. Think how lovely! Three weddings at once! Dofly round and settle things there's a dear, " implored Kitty, whoseimagination was fired with this romantic idea. 

"How can I, when I have no bridegroom yet?" began Rose, with consciouscolor in her telltale face. 

"Sly creature! You know you've only got to say a word and have a famousone. Una and her lion will be nothing to it, " cried Steve, bent onhastening his brother's affair, which was much too dilatory and peculiarfor 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 yearat least making up my mind, so you may lead off as splendidly as youlike and I'll profit by your experience. " And Rose vanished into theparlor, leaving Steve to groan over the perversity of superior women andKitty 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 thebliss of a reunion which was to last unbroken for their lives. Phebe satin an easy chair, resting from her labors, pale and thin and worn, butlovelier in Archie's eyes than ever before. It was very evident that hewas adoring his divinity, for, after placing a footstool at her feet, hehad forgotten to get up and knelt there with his elbow on the arm ofher chair, looking like a thirsty man drinking long drafts of the purestwater. 

"Shall I disturb you if I pass through?" asked Rose, loath to spoil thepretty tableau. 

"Not if you stop a minute on the way and congratulate me, Cousin, forshe says 'yes' at last!" cried Archie, springing up to go and bring herto the arms Phebe opened as she appeared. 

"I knew she would reward your patience and put away her pride when bothhad been duly tried, " said Rose, laying the tired head on her bosom withsuch tender admiration in her eyes that Phebe had to shake some brightdrops from her own before she could reply in a tone of grateful humilitythat showed how much her heart was touched: "How can I help it, whenthey are all so kind to me? Any pride would melt away under such praiseand thanks and loving wishes as I've had today, for every member of thefamily 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 whenArchie's father and mother came and called me 'daughter, ' I would havepromised anything to show my love for them. "

"And him, " added Rose, but Archie seemed quite satisfied and kissed thehand he held as if it had been that of a beloved princess while he saidwith all the pride Phebe seemed to have lost: "Think what she gives upfor me fame and fortune and the admiration of many a better man. Youdon't know what a splendid prospect she has of becoming one of the sweetsingers who are loved and honored everywhere, and all this she puts awayfor 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 nevershall regret it or think my music lost if it makes home cheerful for mymate. Birds sing sweetest in their own nests, you know. " And Phebe benttoward him with a look and gesture which plainly showed how willinglyshe offered up all ambitious hopes upon the altar of a woman's happylove. 

Both seemed to forget that they were not alone, and in a moment theywere, for a sudden impulse carried Rose to the door of her sanctum, asif the south wind which seemed to have set in was wafting this littleship also toward the Islands of the Blessed, where the others weresafely anchored now. 

The room was a blaze of sunshine and a bower of spring freshness andfragrance, for here Rose had let her fancy have free play, and eachgarland, fern, and flower had its meaning. Mac seemed to have beenreading this sweet language of symbols, to have guessed why Charlie'slittle picture was framed in white roses, why pansies hung about hisown, why Psyche was half hidden among feathery sprays of maidenhair, anda purple passion flower lay at Cupid's feet. The last fancy evidentlypleased him, for he was smiling over it, and humming to himself as ifto beguile his patient waiting, the burden of the air Rose had so oftensung 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 aradiant face as he said, drawing a long breath, "At last! You were sobusy 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 inher eyes, as she answered with a sweet solemnity that made him laugh andredden with the sensitive joy of one to whom praise from her lips wasvery precious: "You forget that you are not the Mac who went away. Ishould have run to meet my cousin, but I did not dare to be familiarwith the poet whom all begin to honor. "

"You like the mixture, then? You know I said I'd try to give you loveand poetry together. "

"Like it! I'm so glad, so proud, I haven't any words strong andbeautiful enough to half express my wonder and my admiration. How couldyou do it, Mac?" And a whole face full of smiles broke loose as Roseclapped her hands, looking as if she could dance with sheer delight. 

"It did itself, up there among the hills, and here with you, or outalone upon the sea. I could write a heavenly poem this very minute, andput you in as Spring you look like her in that green gown with snowdropsin your bonny hair. Rose, am I getting on a little? Does a hint of famehelp me nearer to the prize I'm working for? Is your heart more willingto be won?"

He did not stir a step, but looked at her with such intense longing thathis glance seemed to draw her nearer like an irresistible appeal, forshe went and stood before him, holding out both hands, as if she offeredall her little store, as she said with simplest sincerity: "It is notworth 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, buthesitated for an instant, unable to believe that so much happiness wastrue. 

"Are you sure, Rose very sure? Don't let a momentary admiration blindyou 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 mydebt 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 faras ever from being like your hero. I can work and wait still longer ifyou are not sure, for I must have all or nothing. "

"Oh, Mac! Why will you be so doubtful? You said you'd make me loveyou, and you've done it. Will you believe me now?" And, with a sort ofdesperation, she threw herself into his arms, clinging there in eloquentsilence while he held her close; feeling, with a thrill of tendertriumph, that this was no longer little Rose, but a loving woman, readyto 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 outof herself for a moment. "No don't slip away so soon. Let me keep youfor one blessed minute and feel that I have really found my Psyche. "

"And I my Cupid, " answered Rose, laughing, in spite of her emotion, atthe idea of Mac in that sentimental character. 

He laughed, too, as only a happy lover could, then said, with suddenseriousness: "Sweet soul! Lift up your lamp and look well before it istoo 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 toohigh for me to follow, because I have no wings. "

"You shall live the poetry, and I will write it, so my little gift willcelebrate your greater one. "

"No you shall have all the fame, and I'll be content to be known only asthe poet's wife. "

"And I'll be proud to own that my best inspiration comes from thebeneficent life of a sweet and noble woman. "

"Oh, Mac! We'll work together and try to make the world better by themusic and the love we leave behind us when we go. "

"Please God, we will!" he answered fervently and, looking at her as shestood there in the spring sunshine, glowing with the tender happiness, high hopes, and earnest purposes that make life beautiful and sacred, hefelt that now the last leaf had folded back, the golden heart lay opento the light, and his Rose had bloomed.