Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott

Rose and Phebe, sitting side by side on the sofa, had evidently

assumed at once the places which they were destined to fill by

right of youth, sex, and beauty, for Phebe had long since ceased to

be the maid and become the friend, and Rose meant to have that

fact established at once.

Jamie occupied the rug, on which Will and Geordie stood at ease,

showing their uniforms to the best advantage, for they were now in

a great school, where military drill was the delight of their souls.

Steve posed gracefully in an armchair, with Mac lounging over the

back of it, while Archie leaned on one corner of the low

chimneypiece, looking down at Phebe as she listened to his chat

with smiling lips and cheeks almost as rich in color as the

carnations in her belt.

But Charlie was particularly effective, although he sat upon a

music stool, that most trying position for any man not gifted with

grace in the management of his legs. Fortunately Prince was, and

had fallen into an easy attitude, with one arm over the back of the

sofa, his handsome head bent a little, as he monopolized Rose,

with a devoted air and a very becoming expression of contentment

on his face.

Aunt Clara smiled as if well pleased; Aunt Jessie looked

thoughtful; Aunt Jane’s keen eyes went from dapper Steve to

broad-shouldered Mac with an anxious glance; Mrs. Myra

murmured something about her “blessed Caroline”; and Aunt

Plenty said warmly, “Bless the dears! Anyone might be proud of

such a bonny flock of bairns as that.?

“I am all ready to play chaperon as soon as you please, Alec, for I

suppose the dear girl will come out at once, as she did not before

you went away. My services won’t be wanted long, I fancy, for

with her many advantages she will be carried off in her first season

or I’m much mistaken,” said Mrs. Clara, with significant nods and

smiles.

“You must settle all those matters with Rose. I am no longer

captain, only first mate now, you know,” answered Dr. Alec,

adding soberly, half to himself, half to his brother, “I wonder

people are in such haste to ‘bring out’ their daughters, as it’s called.

To me there is something almost pathetic in the sight of a young

girl standing on the threshold of the world, so innocent and

hopeful, so ignorant of all that lies before her, and usually so ill

prepared to meet the ups and downs of life. We do our duty better

by the boys, but the poor little women are seldom provided with

any armor worth having, and sooner or later they are sure to need

it, for every one must fight her own battle, and only the brave and

strong can win.?

“You can’t reproach yourself with neglect of that sort, Alec, for

you have done your duty faithfully by George’s girl, and I envy you

the pride and happiness of having such a daughter, for she is that

to you,” answered old Mac, unexpectedly betraying the paternal

sort of tenderness men seldom feel for their sons.

“I’ve tried, Mac, and I am both proud and happy, but with every

year my anxiety seems to increase. I’ve done my best to fit Rose

for what may come, as far as I can foresee it, but now she must

stand alone, and all my care is powerless to keep her heart from

aching, her life from being saddened by mistakes, or thwarted by

the acts of others. I can only stand ready to share her joy and

sorrow and watch her shape her life.?

“Why, Alec, what is the child going to do that you need look so

solemn?” exclaimed Mrs. Clara, who seemed to have assumed a

sort of right to Rose already.

“Hark! And let her tell you herself,” answered Dr. Alec, as Rose’s

voice was heard saying very earnestly, “Now, you have all told

your plans for the future, why don’t you ask us ours??

“Because we know that there is only one thing for a pretty girl to

do break a dozen or so hearts before she finds one to suit, then