"uncle, i have discovered what girls are made for," said rose, theday after the reconciliation of archie and the prince.
"well, my dear, what is it?" asked dr. alec, who was "planking thedeck," as he called his daily promenade up and down the hall.
"to take care of boys," answered rose, quite beaming withsatisfaction as she spoke. "phebe laughed when i told her, and saidshe thought girls had better learn to take care of themselves first.
but that's because she hasn't got seven boy-cousins as i have.""she is right, nevertheless, rosy, and so are you, for the two thingsgo together, and in helping seven lads you are unconsciously doingmuch to improve one lass," said dr. alec, stopping to nod andsmile at the bright-faced figure resting on the old bamboo chair,after a lively game of battledore and shuttlecock, in place of a runwhich a storm prevented.
"am i? i'm glad of that; but really, uncle, i do feel as if i must takecare of the boys, for they come to me in all sorts of troubles, andask advice, and i like it so much. only i don't always know what todo, and i'm going to consult you privately and then surprise themwith my wisdom.""all right, my dear; what's the first worry? i see you havesomething on your little mind, so come and tell uncle."rose put her arm in his, and, pacing to and fro, told him all aboutcharlie, asking what she could do to keep him straight, and be areal sister to him.
"could you make up your mind to go and stay with aunt clara amonth?" asked the doctor, when she ended.
"yes, sir; but i shouldn't like it. do you really want me to go?""the best cure for charlie is a daily dose of rose water, or roseand water, or rose and water; will you go and see that he takes it?"laughed dr. alec.
"you mean that if i'm there and try to make it pleasant, he will stayat home and keep out of mischief?""exactly.""but could i make it pleasant? he would want the boys.""no danger but he'd have the boys, for they swarm after you likebees after their queen. haven't you found that out?""aunt plen often says they never used to be here half so muchbefore i came, but i never thought i made the difference, it seemedso natural to have them round.""little modesty doesn't know what a magnet she is; but she willfind it out some day," and the doctor softly stroked the cheek thathad grown rosy with pleasure at the thought of being so muchloved. "now, you see, if i move the magnet to aunt clara's, thelads will go there as sure as iron to steel, and charlie will be sohappy at home he won't care for these mischievous mates of his ihope," added the doctor, well knowing how hard it was to wean aseventeen-year-old boy from his first taste of what is called "seeinglife," which, alas! often ends in seeing death.
"i'll go, uncle, right away! aunt clara is always asking me, andwill be glad to get me. i shall have to dress and dine late, and seelots of company, and be very fashionable, but i'll try not to let ithurt me; and if i get in a puzzle or worried about anything i canrun to you," answered rose, good-will conquering timidity.
so it was decided, and without saying much about the real reasonfor this visit, rose was transplanted to aunt clara's, feeling thatshe had a work to do, and very eager to do it well.
dr. alec was right about the bees, for the boys did follow theirqueen, and astonished mrs. clara by their sudden assiduity inmaking calls, dropping in to dinner, and getting up evening frolics.
charlie was a devoted host, and tried to show his gratitude bybeing very kind to his "little sister," for he guessed why she came,and his heart was touched by her artless endeavours to "help himbe good."rose often longed to be back in the old house with the simplerpleasures and more useful duties of the life there; but, havingmade up her mind, in spite of phebe, that "girls were made to takecare of boys," here motherly little soul found much to enjoy in thenew task she had undertaken.
it was a pretty sight to see the one earnest, sweet-faced girl amongthe flock of tall lads, trying to understand, to help and please themwith a patient affection that worked many a small miracleunperceived. slang, rough manners, and careless habits werebanished or bettered by the presence of a little gentlewoman; andall the manly virtues cropping up were encouraged by the heartyadmiration bestowed upon them by one whose good opinion allvalued more than they confessed; while rose tried to imitate thegood qualities she praised in them, to put away her girlish vanitiesand fears, to be strong and just, and frank and brave, as well asmodest, kind, and beautiful.
this trial worked so well that when the month was over, mac andsteve demanded a visit in their turn, and rose went, feeling thatshe would like to hear grim aunt jane say, as aunt clara did atparting, "i wish i could keep you all my life, dear."after mac and steve had had their turn, archie and company boreher away for some weeks; and with them she was so happy, shefelt as if she would like to stay for ever, if she could have unclealec also.
of course, aunt myra could not be neglected, and, with secretdespair, rose went to the "mausoleum," as the boys called hergloomy abode. fortunately, she was very near home, and dr. alecdropped in so often that her visit was far less dismal than sheexpected. between them, they actually made aunt myra laughheartily more than once; and rose did her so much good by lettingin the sunshine, singing about the silent house, cooking wholesomemesses, and amusing the old lady with funny little lectures onphysiology, that she forgot to take her pills and gave up "mum'selixir," because she slept so well, after the long walks and drivesshe was beguiled into taking, that she needed no narcotic.
so the winter flew rapidly away, and it was may before rose wasfairly settled again at home. they called her the "monthly rose,"because she had spent a month with each of the aunts, and leftsuch pleasant memories of bloom and fragrance behind her, thatall wanted the family flower back again.
dr. alec rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure; but as thetime drew near when his year of experiment ended, he had many asecret fear that rose might like to make her home for the nexttwelve month with aunt jessie, or even aunt clara, for charlie'ssake. he said nothing, but waited with much anxiety for the daywhen the matter should be decided; and while he waited he did hisbest to finish as far as possible the task he had begun so well.
rose was very happy now, being out nearly all day enjoying thebeautiful awakening of the world, for spring came bright and early,as if anxious to do its part. the old horse-chestnuts budded roundher windows, green things sprung up like magic in the gardenunder her hands, hardy flowers bloomed as fast as they could, thebirds sang blithely overhead, and every day a chorus of pleasantvoices cried, "good morning, cousin, isn't it jolly weather?"no one remembered the date of the eventful conversation whichresulted in the doctor's experiment (no one but himself at least);so when the aunts were invited to tea one saturday they came quiteunsuspiciously, and were all sitting together having a social chat,when brother alec entered with two photographs in his hand.
"do you remember that?" he said, showing one to aunt clara, whohappened to be nearest.
"yes, indeed; it is very like her when she came. quite her sad,unchildlike expression, and thin little face, with the big dark eyes."the picture was passed round, and all agreed that "it was very likerose a year ago." this point being settled, the doctor showed thesecond picture, which was received with great approbation, andpronounced a "charming likeness."it certainly was, and a striking contrast to the first one, for it was ablooming, smiling face, full of girlish spirit and health, with nosign of melancholy, though the soft eyes were thoughtful, and thelines about the lips betrayed a sensitive nature.
dr. alec set both photographs on the chimneypiece, and, fallingback a step or two, surveyed them with infinite satisfaction forseveral minutes, then wheeled round, saying briefly, as he pointedto the two faces"time is up; how do you think my experiment has succeeded,ladies?""bless me, so it is!" cried aunt plenty, dropping a stitch in hersurprise.
"beautifully, dear," answered aunt peace, smiling entire approval.
"she certainly has improved, but appearances are deceitful, andshe had no constitution to build upon," croaked aunt myra.
"i am willing to allow that, as far as mere health goes, theexperiment is a success," graciously observed aunt jane, unable toforget rose's kindness to her mac.
"so am i; and i'll go farther, for i really do believe alec has donewonders for the child; she will be a beauty in two or three years,"added aunt clara, feeling that she could say nothing better thanthat.
"i always knew he would succeed, and i'm so glad you all allow it,for he deserves more credit than you know, and more praise thanhe will ever get," cried aunt jessie, clapping her hands with anenthusiasm that caused jamie's little red stocking to wave like atriumphal banner in the air.
dr. alec made them a splendid bow, looking much gratified, andthen said soberly"thank you; now the question is, shall i go on? for this is only thebeginning. none of you know the hindrances i've had, the mistakesi've made, the study i've given the case, and the anxiety i've oftenfelt. sister myra is right is one thing rose is a delicate creature,quick to flourish in the sunshine, and as quick to droop without it.
she has no special weakness, but inherits her mother's sensitivenature. and needs the wisest, tenderest care, to keep a very ardentlittle soul from wearing out a finely organised little body. i think ihave found the right treatment, and; with you to help me, i believewe may build up a lovely and a noble woman, who will be a prideand comfort to us all."there dr. alec stopped to get his breath, for he had spoken veryearnestly, and his voice got a little husky over the last words. agentle murmur from the aunts seemed to encourage him, and hewent on with an engaging smile, for the good man was slyly tryingto win all the ladies to vote for him when the time came.
"now, i don't wish to be selfish or arbitrary, because i am herguardian, and i shall leave rose free to choose for herself. we allwant her, and if she likes to make her home with any of you ratherthan with me, she shall do so. in fact, i encouraged her visits lastwinter, that she might see what we can all offer her, and judgewhere she will be happiest. is not that the fairest way? will youagree to abide by her choice, as i do?""yes, we will," said all the aunts, in quite a flutter of excitement atthe prospect of having rose for a whole year.
"good! she will be here directly, and then we will settle thequestion for another year. a most important year, mind you, forshe has got a good start, and will blossom rapidly now if all goeswell with her. so i beg of you don't undo my work, but deal verywisely and gently with my little girl, for if any harm come to her, ithink it would break my heart."as he spoke, dr. alec turned his back abruptly and affected to beexamining the pictures again; but the aunts understood how dearthe child was to the solitary man who had loved her mother yearsago, and who now found his happiness in cherishing the little rosewho was so like her. the good ladies nodded and sighed, andtelegraphed to one another that none of them would complain ifnot chosen, or ever try to rob brother alec of his "heart's delight,"as the boys called rose.
just then a pleasant sound of happy voices came up from thegarden, and smiles broke out on all serious faces. dr. alec turnedat once, saying, as he threw back his head, "there she is; now forit!"the cousins had been a-maying, and soon came flocking in ladenwith the spoils.
"here is our bonny scotch rose with all her thorns about her," saiddr. alec, surveying her with unusual pride and tenderness, as shewent to show aunt peace her basket full of early flowers, freshleaves, and curious lichens.
"leave your clutter in the hall, boys, and sit quietly down if youchoose to stop here, for we are busy," said aunt plenty, shakingher finger at the turbulent clan, who were bubbling over with thejollity born of spring sunshine and healthy exercise.
"of course, we choose to stay! wouldn't miss our saturday hightea for anything," said the chief, as he restored order among hismen with a nod, a word, and an occasional shake.
"what is up? a court-martial?" asked charlie, looking at theassembled ladies with affected awe and real curiosity, for thesefaces betrayed that some interesting business was afloat.
dr. alec explained in a few words, which he made as brief andcalm as he could; but the effect was exciting, nevertheless, foreach of the lads began at once to bribe, entice, and wheedle "ourcousin" to choose his home.
"you really ought to come to us for mother's sake, as a relish, youknow, for she must be perfectly satiated with boys," began archie,using the strongest argument he could think of at the moment.
"ah! yes," she thought, "he wants me most! i've often longed togive him something that he wished for very much, and now i can."so, when, at a sudden gesture from aunt peace, silence fell, rosesaid slowly, with a pretty colour in her cheeks, and a beseechinglook about the room, as if asking pardon of the boys"it's very hard to choose when everybody is so fond of me;therefore i think i'd better go to the one who seems to need memost.""no, dear, the one you love the best and will be happiest with,"said dr. alec quickly, as a doleful sniff from aunt myra, and amurmur of "my sainted caroline," made rose pause and look thatway.
"take time, cousin; don't be in a hurry to make up your mind, andremember, 'codlin's your friend,' " added charlie, hopeful still.
"i don't want any time! i know who i love best, who i'm happiestwith, and i choose uncle. will he have me?" cried rose, in a tonethat produced a sympathetic thrill among the hearers, it was so fullof tender confidence and love.
if she really had any doubt, the look in dr. alec's face banished itwithout a word, as he opened wide his arms, and she ran into them,feeling that home was there.
no one spoke for a minute, but there were signs of emotion amongthe aunts, which warned the boys to bestir themselves before thewater-works began to play. so they took hands and began toprance about uncle and niece, singing, with sudden inspiration, thenursery rhyme"ring around a rosy!"of course that put an end to all sentiment, and rose emergedlaughing from dr. alec's bosom, with the mark of a waistcoatbutton nicely imprinted on her left cheek. he saw it, and said witha merry kiss that half effaced it, "this is my ewe lamb, and i haveset my mark on her, so no one can steal her away."that tickled the boys, and they set up a shout of"uncle had a little lamb!"but rose hushed the noise by slipping into the circle, and makingthem dance prettily like lads and lasses round a may-pole; whilephebe, coming in with fresh water for the flowers, began to twitter,chirp, and coo, as if all the birds of the air had come to join in thespring revel of the eight cousins.
for the sequel, see "the rose in bloom."
