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 about it,” sighed Rose, oppressed
with her blessings.
“Afflicted child! How can I relieve you?” And there was
amusement as well 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 first
place, help me to wean myself from foolish pleasures and show me
how to occupy my thoughts and time so that I may not idle about
and dream instead of doing great things.?
“Good! We’ll begin at once. Come to town with me this morning
and see your houses. They are all ready, and Mrs. Gardner has half
a dozen poor souls waiting to go in as soon as you give the word,”
answered the doctor promptly, glad to get his girl back again,
though not surprised that she still looked with regretful eyes at the
Vanity Fair, always so enticing when we are young.
“I’ll give it today, and make the new year a happy one to those poor
souls 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 for so long that she had set her heart on having a grand
time today, and I particularly want to please her because I have not
been as amiable as I ought 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
am going to make my New Year’s calls today and, as my friends
live down that way, I’ll get the list of names from Mrs. G. and tell
the poor ladies, 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 should
have thought of it if you had not proposed the plan.?
“Bless your heart! I’m only your agent, and suggest now and then.
I’ve nothing to offer but advice, so I lavish that on all occasions.?
“You have nothing because you’ve given your substance all away
as generously as you do your advice. Never mind you shall never
come to want while I live. I’ll save enough for us two, though I do
make ‘ducks and drakes of my fortune.’ ?
Dr. Alec laughed at the toss of the head with which she quoted
Charlie’s offensive words, then offered to take the letter, saying, as
he looked at his watch: “I’ll post that for you in time for the early
mail. I like a run before breakfast.?
But Rose held her letter fast, dimpling with sudden smiles, half
merry and half shy.
“No thank you, sir. Archie likes to do that, and never fails to call
for all I write. He gets a peep at Phebe’s in return and I cheer him
up a bit, for, though he says nothing, he has a hard time of it, poor
fellow.?
“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 of
sentimental youngsters.” And the doctor walked away, looking as
if he enjoyed 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 the hospitable mansion pretty steadily all day. The
clan was out in great force, and came by in installments to pay
their duty to Aunt Plenty and wish the compliments of the season
to “our cousin.” Archie appeared first, looking sad but steadfast,
and went away with Phebe’s letter in his left breast pocket feeling
that life was still endurable, though his love was torn from him, for
Rose had many comfortable things to say and read him delicious
bits from the voluminous correspondence lately begun.
Hardly was he gone when Will and Geordie came marching in,
looking as fine as gray uniforms with much scarlet piping could