Eight Cousins

opposite, which he appeared to be examining withcare. When he heard her step, he turned about and began to sing"Where are you going, my

oom farther downthe hall, and an astonished voice exclaimed"What in the world are you doing about so early?""Cleari

he house upside down if you willonly stay in it.""That's a handsome offer, I'm sure. I'll stay, ma'am; here's my littleanchor, so you will get more than you wan

last managed to fill her cup, whileBen held Clover's tail so that it could not flap, and Dr. Alec

g. Take a smart runround the garden and get up

Power said it was notlady-like for girls

your physician, I order you to run. Off with you!" saidUncle Alec, with

kto the porch where he stood, and, dropping down upon the steps,she

teens. That belt is too tight; unfastenit, then you can take a long breath without panting s

o proud. The moment the clasp was open thebelt flew apart several inches, for it was i

rse itwould open if I puff like this, but I never do, because I har

er and steel just when it ought to begrowing," said Dr. Alec, surveying the belt with great disfavour ashe put the clasp forward several holes, to Rose's secret dis

" she said anxiously, as she stoodwatc

ow it does look!" and Rose gave a glance of scorn at the loosebelt hanging round her trim little waist. "It will be lost, and then Ishall feel badly, for it cost ever so much, and is real steel andRussia leather. Just smell how nice.""If it is lost I'll give you a better on

her head, ashamed to add,"you think I am pretty."Dr. Alec's eyed twinkled, but he said very soberly"Rose, a

" And he sighed as if g

I really don't think I am repulsive."The last word and the funny tone in which it was utt

ssrepulsive, I want you to grow as fine a girl as Phebe.""Phebe!

nswered Rose, much taken down by this comparisonwith the girl from the poor-house. It nettled her sadly, and sheshowed that it did by saying quickly"I suppose you would like to have me sweep and scrub, and wearan old brown dress, and go round with my sleeves rolled up, asPhebe does?""I should very much, if you could work as well as she does

ocks than this," he said, with such awhimsical look that she was glad the sound of a bel

r and yourself by rummaging to your heart'scontent; I've got to be cruising round a

ncle?" asked Rose, qui

Anybody anything, Alec. You will want me, I know, so I'll giveorders about dinner and b

be can't, sonow!" thought Rose, with a toss of the he

lwood, the room gay with bright colours, and Rose in arapture of delight. She began to forgive Dr. Alec for the oatmealdiet when she saw a lovely ivory workbox; became resigned to thestate of her belt when s

sevidently going on in the green-room, for the dark damask curtainswere seen bundling away in Phebe's arms; the air-tight stover

re-rooms,camphor-chests, and linen-closets, looking as

box now and then she caughtglimpses of him striding by, bearing a bamboo chair, a pair ofancie

, as she sat resting andrefreshing herself w

Peace, looking upwith a smile from some pretty tr

ok at me! look at me! I'm splendid I don't know myself. Ihaven't put these things on right, I dare say, but I do like them somuch!""You look as gay as a parrot in your fe

t her waist, and puton a truly gorgeous scarlet jacket with a golden sun embroideredon the back, a silver moon on the front, and stars of all sizes on thesleeves. A pair of Turkish

wonderful talisman somewhere. Only I don't see how Iever can thank you for all these

d house. Won't it, auntie?""I think you are right, Alec, and it is fortunate that we have notbegun on her spring clothes yet, for Myra thought she ought not towear anything brighter than violet, and she is

of muslin, cloth and

he belt, so laughaway, Morgiana, and I'll go back to my work, or I never shall bedone.""I couldn't help it, 'shirred biases' were so very funny!" Rose said,as she turned to her

are done with would be more useful, if they can bemade over to fit her," answered Aunt Peace in the prude

she was my sister it would do, becausesisters don't mind, but she isn't, and that makes it bad, you se

e looked at her so kindly that Rose was firedwith a desire to settle the matter at once, and rushed away to thekitchen, just as she was. Phebe was there, polishing up the antiqueandirons so busily that she started when a voice c

ndid!" was all she could sa

toyou, and I'd go halves, only auntie thinks they wouldn't be usef

stop toexplain. Seeing Phebe's bewilderment, she quieted down and said,with a pretty air of earnestness"It isn't fair that I should have so much and you so little, and I wantto be as good to you as if you were my sister, for Aunt Peace say

n't know what to do,"thought Rose, much d

ings, and hopeyou won't think " she faltered presently

arms round Rose and said, with a laugh and sob"I think you are the dearest girl in the world, and I'll let you doanything you like with m

p it. As for patronising, you may walkon me if you want to, and I won't mind," said Phebe, in a bu

tter, a fairy godmother come down the chimney, and you areCinderella, and

a good deal of naturalrefinement, tho

way of thanking you for all you've done," she said, rubbingoff a tear

bye, and don't forget I'veadopted you.""You've given me sweeter things than candy, and I'm not likely toforget it." And carefully wiping off the brick-dust, Phebe pres