IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
/.
/
'y
s?
Y fj^.^
m.
V.A
V.
1.0
I.I
2.5
'" lilM
1 5 11111=
■^ lilM III 22
I i^ 12.0
I. ^
1-25 il.4
1.6
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
^
t
•^
\\
O
»
«.v
""i.
C/u
(/.
u
CIHM
ICIVIH
Microfiche
Collection de
Series
microfiches
(l\/lonographs)
(monographies)
Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiq
ues
CkCk
I990
Technical and Bibliographic Notes / Notes techniques et bibliographiques
The Institute has attempted to obtain the best ori<)inal
copy available for filming. Features of this copy which
may be bibliographlcally unique, which may alter any
of the images in the reproduction, or which may
significantly change the usual method of filming, are
checked below.
n
n
D
D
n
Coloured cowers/
Couverture de couleur
Covers damaged/
Couverture endommagee
Covers restored and/or laminated/
Couverture restauree et/ou pelliculce
Cover title missing/
Le titre de couverture manque
Coloured maps/
Caites gcographiques en couleur
Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/
Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire)
D
n
Coloured plates and/or illustrations/
Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur
Bound with other material/
Relie avec d'autres documents
Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion
along interior margin/
La reliure serree peut causer de I'cmbre ou de la
distorsion le long de la marge interieure
Blank leaves added during restoration may appear
within the text. Whenever possible, these have
been omitted from filming/
II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutees
lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte,
mais, lorsque cela etait possible, ces pages n'ont
pas ete filmees.
Additional comments:/
Commentaires supplementaires;
L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il
lui a ete possible de se procurer. Les details de cet
exemplaire qui sont peut-£tre uniques du point de vue
bibliograpaique, qii peuvent modifier une image
reproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification
dans la methode normale de filmage sont indiques
ci-dessoui.
□ Coloured pages/
Pages de couleur
□ Pages damaged/
Pages endommagees
□ Pages restored and/or laminated/
Pages restaurees et/ou pelliculees
Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/
Pages decolorees, tachetees ou piquees
□ Pages detached/
Pages detachees
Showthrough/
ransparence
1 I Tra
Quality of print varies/
Qualite inegale de I'impression
□ Continuous pagination/
Pagination
continue
□ Includes index(es)/
Comprend un (des) index
Title on header taken from:/
Le titre de Ten-t^te provient:
□ Title page of issue/
Page de titre de la livraJson
□ Caption of issue/
Titre de depart de la li
vraison
□ Masthead/
Gener
ique (periodiques) de la livraison
This Item is filv i at the reduction ratio checked below/
Ce document est filme au taux de reduction indique ci-dessous.
18X
22X
26 X
30X
/
12X
16X
XX
24 X
28X
H
32 X
qu'il
! cet
t de vue
ge
ation
ues
The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks
to the generosity of:
National Library of Canada
The imagos appearing iiere are the best quality
possible considering the condition and iegibility
of the otiginal copy and in keeping with the
filming contract specifications.
Original copies in printed paper covers .'ire filmed
beginning with the front over and ending on
the last page with a printed or illustra.ad imores-
sion, or the back cover when appropriate. A(l
other original copies are filmed beginning on the
first page with a printed or illustrated impres-
sion and etiding on the last page vi''th a printed
or illustrated impression.
The last recorded frame on each microfiche
shall contain the symbol — *- (meaning "COIM-
TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"),
whichever applies.
Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at
different reduction ratios. Those too large to be
entirely included in one exposure are filmed
beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to
right and top to bottom, as many frames as
required. The following diagrams illustrate vhe
method:
L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grace S la
g^ndrosit^ de:
Biblioth6que nationale du Canada
Les images suii/antes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le
plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et
de la nettet6 de l'exemplaire film6, et en
conformit6 avec let. conditions du contrat de
filmage.
Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en
pfipier ast imprim6e sont film6s en commenpant
par le premier plat et eo terminant soit par la
dernidre puge qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second
plat, selon la cas. Tous les autres exemplaires
origiriaux sont film6s en commen?ant par la
premidre page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par
la dernidre page qui comporte une telle
empreinte.
Un des symboles suivants apparaftra sur la
dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le
cas: le symbole — »► signifie "A SUIVRE", ir
symbole V signifie "FIN ".
Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent etre
film6s A des taux de r6duction diff6rents.
Lorsque le document est trop grand pour §tre
reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir
de l'angl« Fup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite,
at de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre
d'images n6cess=iire. Les diagrammes suivants
illustrent la mdthode.
2ZX
1
2
3
4
5
6
I
Xd-Y
ROSE IN BLOOM.
QBE m MWOM,
A Sequel TO
AUTH
Rose in Bloo
M.
A SEQUEL TO
"EIGHT COUSINS."
BY
LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
AUTHOR OF "little WOMEN," "an OLD-FASHIONED GIRL," « LITTLE MEN,'^
' HOSPITAL SKETCHES," " AUNT Jo's SCRAP-BAG," " WORK,"
"eight cousins," ETC.
WITH ILLUSTRATION.
TORONTO:
HART AND RAWLINS ON.
1876.
'i *
-Juj,
911351
PREFACE.
As authors may be supposed to know better
than any one else what they intended to do when
writing a book, I beg leave to say that there is
no moial to this story. Rose is not designed for
a model girl : and the Sequel was simply written
in fulfilment of a promise ; hoping to afford some
amusement, and perhaps here and there a helpful
hint, to other roses getting ready to bh; ,i ..
Septembek, 1876.
L. M. Alcott.
CONTENTS.
Chap. Paob
I. Coming Home 1
II. Old Frip:nds with New Faces .... 30
III. Miss Campbell ... 52
IV. Thorns among the Roses 69
V. Prince Charming 80
VI. Polishing Mac 99
Vn. Phehe 123
VIH. Breakers Ahead 149
IX. New Year's Calls 160
X. The Sad and Sober Part 179
XT. Small Temptations 191
XII. At Kitty's Ball 212
XIII. Both Sides 234
XIV. Aunt Clara's Plan 2.52
XV. Alas for Charlie 261
XVI. Good Works . 276
Vlii CONTENTS.
Chap.
XVII. Among the Haycocks
XVIII. Which was it ?
XIX. Behind the Fountain
XX. What Mac Did
XXI. How Phebe earned her Welcome
XXII. Short and Sweet .
Paob fl
290 1
309 1
333 1
342 i
355 i
367 J
1
r
1
1
a
i
ROSE IN BLOOM.
)
CHAPTER I.
A
COMING HOME.
'T^IIREE young men stood together on a wharf
-■- one bright October clay, awaiting the arrival
of an ocean steamer with an impatience which found
a vent in lively skirmishes with a small lad, who per-
vaded the premises like a will-o'-the-wisp, and afforded
much amusement to the other groups assembled there.
" They are the Campbells, waiting for their cousin,
who has been abroad several years with her uncle, the
Doctor," whispered one lady to another, as the hand-
somest of the young men touched his hat to her as he
passed, lugging the boy, whom he had just rescued
from a little expedition down among the piles.
" Which is that ? " asked the stranger.
" Prince Charlie, as he 's called, — a fine fellow, the
most promising of the seven ; but a little fast, people
say," answered the first speaker, with a shake of the
head.
"Are the others his brothers?"
" No, cousins. The elder is Archie, a most exem-
plary young man. lie has just gone into business
f
ItOUE IN BLOOM.
witl, the ,„o,.cl,n„t „„,.|o, anrl bi,,s fair to be n„ I,o„„,.
to m. fa,„, y. The „„,c,., with the eye-glas,,,. a„.I 1
gloves, ,.s Mae, ,he „,kl „„e, just out of Tolle-e "
"And the boy?" ° '
" Oh, he is .ra,„io, the y„u„gest brother of Arehibahl
nnd the ,,et of the ^l.ole fa.nily. Mercy on „., ' ho' .'
be .„ ,f they ,Wt hoM on to him."
The ladies' el,at ean.e to a su.hleu end just there •
for, by the „n,e Jamie had been fished out of a ho. ,
Lead the stean,er hove i„ sight and every thin. eNe
ZX"-';- ^^''-™"«^'"-'^--ltoe„t:rt
•lock, a boyisli voice sliouted, ~
"There she is ! I see her and unele and rhel,e '
Hooray for Cousin Itose I" and three small el,eers
were g.ven with a will by Jan.ie, as he stood o , a
pos wavn,g his ..ms like a windn.ill, while his brother
held on to the tail of his jacket.
Yes, there they were ITi„.l„ ai • .
1 i ,-, , ^ ".-le, tjncle Alec swin. ii. hU
ha , e a boy, with Phebe sn,i,ing and noddin:
one s de, and Rose kissing both hands delightedly on
he other, as she reeogui.ed fan.iliar faces Indca
fanul.ar voices welcoming her home
"Bless her dear heart, she 's bonnier than ever -
Ws I.ke a Ma.lon„.a,_ doesn't she?- with It'
«"id. said Charlie e.«itedly, as they watched the
g.-onp upon the deck with eager eye,
"Madonnas don't wear hats like that. Rose h,sn't
changed much, but PLcbe has Wi i ,
ntue nas. H hy, she 's a regular
COMING HOME.
o bo nn honor
L,Wasst'g ;ui<l no
:;ollo<>e.
5»
•of Aroliibald,
y on us ! bo 'JI
'i«^ just llicre;
lit of a Iiogs-
'ly thing else
1 to enter the
and Phebe!
sin.'ill olieers
stood on a
e ]iis brother
swinging his
nodding on
liglitedly on
s and licard
than ever 1
-with that
'y'ni? in the
Pitched the
^ose hasn't
s a reguKir
i;
beauty ! " answered Arcliie, staring with all his miglit
at the dark-eyed young woman, with tlic brilliant color
and glossy, black braids shining in the sun.
"Dear old uncle! doesn't it seem good to have him
back?" was all Mac said; but he was not looking at
"dear old uncle," as he made the fervent remark,
for he saw only the slender blonde girl near by, and
sti-etched out his hands to meet hers, forgetful of the
green water tumbling between them.
During the confusion that reigned for a moment as
the steamer settled to her moorings, Rose looked down
into the three faces upturned to hers, and seemed to
read in them something that both pleased and pained
her. It Avas only a glance, and her own eyes were
full ; but through the mist of happy tears she received
the impression that Archie was about the same, that
Mao had decidedly improved, and that something was
amiss with Charlie. There was no time for observation,
however ; for in a moment the shoreward rush began,
and, before she could grasp her travelling bag, Jamie
was clinging to her like an ecstatic young bear. She
was with difficulty released from his embrace, to fall
into the gentler ones of the elder cousins, who took
advantage of the general excitement to welcome both
blooming girls with affectionate impartiality. Then
the wanderers were borne ashore in a triumphal pro-
cession, wdiile Jamie danced rapturous jigs before them
even on the gangway.
Archie remained to help his uncle get the luggage
HOSE IN BLOOM.
r
"•"l llicir lR.|<„,gi„g,. "' ''*•"■''« will, ,I,e,„
"Well, ,iiy in.'inrijlii,, i,l,.,t ,i
'-'-nw, ,0 Weak , i:r' '^
'"S, and I was ,„,„ -^ •'"I "-nglitest J„ok.
y™.-"-eso kind of sLr ,,,' ^''?''^'' '"". -"'•Low
to.npostnon.sly. ' ^ "*" *'""» r<'utl, did it
yo;;"Ck;::vTe,:;i:r',"°''"'"^''^^'">'o..
at the gentlemen onposit, V •\""*"'""ons look
-l>ec.ful ad„,i,.„tion":^^ ; ^n^r "' ""■•"'«" »
" i 'm so d.z.Iedbv,,t-mr '"""''''-"■
''•^« -Hldenly bu,,t ,^„" ^'^^''''^^ »"d J'eanty that
•■■tlJ'-css my emotion," ■"■" "" "'O'-'^s to
.io'teingtiidan;:;::;,,:" '''-'-«»''-%
'JcM'tsnyyet, fori have not hid ,•
any one. I ,vi|l „o„. jf ,,„„ , "'"' "™« to look at
g-at an„.e„,ont of' L "l; l' '"""'•" ""'' '" «-
'- "^e-gla.. „„d to„k an oWat^r"-"^ '"'"''''
others oscortcfi
i''t'y sJiiit up in
m-ious coiistr.iint
For tliey rc;.Iizo(],
s woro men an<I
q'lite free from
f'odkin-wise be-
•tic's witJi them
think of us?"
ise.
t cTecido which
>n",<,ditest Jook-
^'»t, somehow
I i-e.-illy think
youth did it
a bit about
cause she is.
'jiovous look
t'xpressed a
^ her.
beauty that
> words to
'> gallantly
to look at
^nd, to the
f adjusted
I COMING HOME. 6
"Well?" said Phebe, smiling and blushing under
his honest stare, yet seeming not ♦-> resent it as she
di.l the lordly sort of ai.i)roval which made her answer
the ghmce of Charlie's audacious blue eyes with a
flash of her black ones.
"I thi.ik if you were my sister, I should be very
proud of you, because your face shows what I admire
more than its beauty, —truth and courage, Phebe,"
answered JMac, with a little bow, fidl of such genuine
respect that surprise and pleasure brought a "sudden
dew to quench the Are of the girl's eyes, and soothe
the sensitive pride of the girl's heart.
Rose clai)ped her hands just as she used to do when
any thing delighted her, and beamed at Mac approv-
ingly, as she said, —
" Now that 's a criticism worth having, and we are
much obliged. I was sure you'd admire my Phebe
when you knew her: but I didn't believe you would
be wise enough to see it at once ; and you have gone
up many pegs in my estimation, I assure you."
" I was always fond of mineralogy you remember, "
and I 've been tapjjing round a good deal lately, so I 've
learned to know precious metals when I see them,"
Mac said witli his shrewd smile.
" That is the last hobby, then ? Your letters have
amused ns immensely; for each one had a new theory
or experiment, and the latest was always the best. I
thought uncle would have died of laughing over the
vegetarian mania : it was so funny to imagine you
nosji w BLOOM.
'"•inn- on 1,,-ca.l an.l niilk I,.l-,.,1
«'.-'.-lk., cviJently f«,li, 1 r ";:'"'" '° ^™'" 1"" i"
«■' <'- >-..i quite t" ''"" ■'"" •'-" •"■■•«od
" lint in s,,i,o of th-,f n ""■■" «'""' '"'' '"'"•
;''^>.aiiu,„s,o::,.:'''; ;.^:;f ''"■;.".i.eo,,o,o
J'"- wrote ... ,„o„t it- ; ; k/,/"T""' "'"■" ^'""'
way t.n,t eausej a.;, ' """f '" "'^ ''""> ''-"•^ "> »
>'-ioftbe,.„d.w;r';,'i,:;f"'''^"'^«'-p"b.d
don't deserve any p,,ise P • ^' "' ^'"^^'' •' «« ^
I'm not sure that my wiJd 0,/. ', '''^ ^^'^^«^e,
--IVeseensoJd l;:;r^^^^^^^^^
7-'^' -d I'm „o„e the woleZ: t ""^ '''"' ^^^^
placidly. ^''^ *^^ them," said JMac,
"I know what 'will nnfo '
Mac say ChaHie wa. soti " UTo"; '"^"'' ^""'^
""""•-' ^0 Bl,e told ,ne \ , j °? '^^'' ••"'<• ^ "^ed
6"S|>elie<l or exiiendorl T 'i .. '""' "''" ''« was
J-me, all in o^e brLh If ','" "" """'" »^<J«''
"^•^am, tor he possess
possessed a fatal
gift
es, and potatoes
S
3k of his class.
'G way he ^vent
^o see," put i„
d been ])nttod
o^^ for him.
J-ourjh college
1*1 AvJien Aunt
3 ivjoice that
and won the
til Jiands in a
<^ chap "had
5e. I began
better ; so I
U though : I
I the whole,
better than
^lidn't cost
' said JMac,
'ard Uncle
d I asked
at he was
it'll, but it
d," added
fatal gift
4
COMING nOME. 7
of making malapropos remarks, which caused him to
. be a terror to his family.
" Do you want to go on the box again ? " demanded
Prince, with a warning frown.
"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 a crushed boy, consoling himself with
liose's new watcli for the indignities he suffered at
the hands of the "old fellows," as he vengefully called
his elders.
Mac and Charlie immediately began to talk as hard
as their tongues couhl wag, bringing up all sorts of
pleasant subjects so successfully that peals of laughter
made passers-by look after the merry load with "sym-
pathetic smiles.
An avalanche of aunts fell upon Rose as soon as
she reached home, and for the rest of the day the old
house buzzed like a beehive. Evening found the
whole tribe collected in the drawing-rooms, with the
exception of Aunt Peace, whose place was empty now.
Naturally enough, the elders settled into one group
after a while, and the young fellows clustered ab(.ut
the girls, like butterflies round two attractive flowers.
Dr. Alec was the central figure in one room and Rose
in the other ; for the little girl, whom they had all
.8
HOSE IN BLOOM
Joved nncl pottoc], I.a.l Uoonu.l into .
t>vo yo..„vs c,f absence Jn<]\v.. , '^'""'" ' '''"^
?';- ^M- ones, .iK> .,.1 1^. :^:^"^"^^^^
«".! pIcsMnt. "^ '''"""^'^^" ''^-' ^vas both not
Soinethinnr sweet yet snl.-Jf i ,
»-'" (/uicil how nice if i« ♦«
fof a great happiness. ^'ving ih,,,,^^
"I sliouMn't wondor if
•"•ought a fi,.eb,.n„d i„to thn f". /"""'' "'•■" you'd
"outalrcady,ifr„ „,;'''""'' " '■■"'' ''•'•ve f„„„d
-i* ; nod !..„, .;,::;;r::t:-"!'*'^<' u-.^ „.„,
•^''^ in the back p',,!". ""•""■"" -""J "'«-■„.„„„,;.
lioso and PJiebe «.^f
»■- -deut, ..:;:::- -.;;^
Liic places wiiicii they
COMING HOME.
9
were clestincd to fill l,y Hgl.t «.f youll,, sex, nnd boauty ;
for Plu'be h:ul long since ceased to be the maid and'
bcconu' tlie friend, and Rose meant to have that fact
established at once.
Jamie occupied the rug, on which Will and Gcordie
stood at ease, showing their uniforms to the best
advantage ; for tliey were now in a great school, where
military drill was the delight of their souls. Steve
j.osed gracefully in an arm-chair, with Mac loun.dn-
over the back of it; while Archie leaned on one "cor-
ner of the low chimney-])iece, 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 ho
sat upon a music-stool, that most trying position for
any man not gifted with grace in the management
of liis legs. Fortunately Prince was, and l,ad fallen
into an easy attitude, with one arm over the back of
the sofa, his handsome head bent a little, as he monop-
olized Rose, with a devoted air and a very becoming
exi)ression of contentment on his face.
Aunt Clara smiled as if Avell i)leased ; Aunt Jessie
looked thoughtful ; Aunt Jane's keen eyes went from
dapper Steve to broad-shouldered Mac with an anx-
ious glance; Mrs. Myra murmured something about
her "blessed Caroline;" and Aunt Plenty said
Avarmly, —
"Bless the dears ! any one might be proud of such
a bonny flock of bairns as that."
10
J^OSE IN BLOOM,
p-lV A,:". T\ ': '""^ "'T""' - -»" - you
«ns„.e,.ed D Tl o '.T'-'' '"' '"•^"^ ''°>''' ^^ ''-<'
l.n.ste to 'brin° ;r,, ' "';"•'"'• '"■■"l* -^ i„ s„eh
To .no there ",,', *'''■'''•'■"■ "^ " '^ -""I.
of a ,o„„ 'i . " '"= ''T' 1«"-'- ". the sight
30 innocent' ;C=rso ""■"'""' "' '"^ -^<''
before i,e,- a„d , ? „ «". 'gnoi-^nt of all that Iie8
..psana:; t; ^'"\r ' P-''-^ «» ,„eet the
toy, ; but the poo UtleT ""'' '"'^ •"^""■- "'^ "«=
With a„, anuo';!^:!:" Z 'T' '""''-'
they are sure to need it for 1 ' ""■ "' ^"^"'
»«n battle, and onTvVh: ) '^ ""' "»'' ^^t her
"• ^l only the brave and stroni; can win "
1 ou can't reproach yourself wi,l, ,
sort, Alec, for you hav« d '''"'" °^ "«"
George', irl • a^^d I . ^'""' ''''*^ ^""""% by ■
--.■ed old MacuneC; ;;;:':; ^■°"'"'"'-
hut ,vith ;;':;:" r .•'-'■ ^--d -a happy,
y year my anxiety seen,3 to increase.
""^
COMING HOME.
11
' as soon as you
t* gi«-l will come
you went away,
fancy; for with
'^I off in her first
^Ii-s. Chira, with
s with Rose ; I
ow, you know,"
^'■^If to himself,
Jle are in such
as it 's called,
ic in the sight
d of the workl,
•f all that lies
I to meet the
■ better by the
3om provided
oner or later,
mst fight her
? can win.
5J
gleet of that
faithfully by
nd happiness
to you," an-
tlie paternal
ir sons,
and happy;
to increa&e.
m
've done my best to fit Rose for what may come, as
:ar as I can foresee it; but now she must stand alone,
md all my care is i)0werles8 to keep her heart from
aching, lier life from being sfiddened by mistakes, or
thwarted by the acts of others. I can only stand by,
■ready to share her joy and sorrow, and watch her
iehape her life."
( " Why, Alec, what is the child going to do, that you
Jncod look so solemn?" exclaimed Mrs. Clara, who
|peenied to have assumed a sort of right to Rose
J 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 of hearts
before she finds one to suit, then marry and settle,"
answered Charlie, as if no other reply was possible.
" That may be the case with many, but not with us ;
for Phebe and I believe that it is as much a right and
a duty for women to do something with their lives as
for men ; and we are not going to be satisfied with
such frivolous parts as you give us," cried Rose, with
kindling eyes. " I mean what I sny, and you cannot
laugh me down. Would you be contented to be told
to enjoy yourself for a little while, then marry and do
nothing more till you die?" she added, tiu-ning to
Archie.
1^
ll « I
nOSE m BLOOM.
\ i
"•0 -vc s„t ,„;,„,, „„,, „„„, " V' '" " """"'" '■ '"'
prove ll,.„ T ^ """« '° ''" "'ill' '"vo till I '
-..-pH- ,„„, .„„..,„„,, e;;;^ ,;t X tt
girlish outbreak. "^ lanoyug it all a
. '••■'..ntcd by .ho smiles of ^ocl n ^ , ' ™"'"'S
den»io„ o,.tl,e faces of hf, '"ereduliiy or
'■1' >ny mi,„l not to be eheated ^ , , '"■'' "'"''''
haven't lived ,vith Pbebe ^, f '" """'''''■ '
know wb.,t cc....,„e ,„7sel' r ''''^ '" ™'" •• ^
BO that I could ,,:. . i e...'.„ t " T'"^ '" ""^ «"'■■'■'
«s brave and inS.,..- w ' f '"'"' "'"'' '""'' »') be
'■■'"■"" "' ""^ '-" be pretty soon."
1/.
lit of a man's life,"
, but not all;' con-
dor ;i woin;i/i : for
^'»''nrts; nmhition
aceoni|.!i.sliin("nt,s;
X'Jl ns love and 1),.
is all a woman is
with IfH'o till I '
Iiousckccper and
lan's ri^dits with
g "P with mock
•se with mingled
aneying it all a
ockcd : you will
'y the beginning
^ose, nothing
1 incredulity or
"I have made
be real things
St because I 'm
o many do. I
ars in vain ; I
n do for one ,*
7 in the world
tb her, and be
pretty soon."
COMIXG HOME.
18
I It was evident that Rose was in earnest now • for
.as she spoke, she turned to her frien.l with sueh re-
spect as well as I >v. m h<n- face that the look told
better than any words how heartily the ri.h girl
:.pr.reeiated iho virtues hard experience had given the
1-or girl, and how eagerly she desired to earn what
_ali her fortune could not buy for her. *
I SomeU.ing in the glance exchanged between the
I friends impressed the young men in spite of their
irrejiidices; and it was in a perfectly serious tone that
|Arehie said, —
i » I fancy you 'II find your liands fiill, cousin, if you
I want work; for I 've heard j.eople say that wealth has
Its troubles and trials as well as poverty."
" I know it, and 1 'm going to try and fill my place
well. I 've got some capital little i,lans all made, and
have begun to study my profession already," answered
liose, with an energetic nod.
I "Could I ask what it is to be? "inquired Charlie
I in a tone of awe. '
f "Guess!" and Rose looked up at him with an ex-
• -on half- -MLest, half-merry.
•' ^V^ell, I should say that you were fitted for a beauty
land a belle ; but, as that is evidentl v not to your taste I
Jamaft-aid you are going to study medicine and be a do^-
1 tor. Won't your patients have a heavenly time thouo-h ^
«it will be easy dying with an angel to poison them."
"Now, Charlie, that's base of you, when you know
how well women have succeedc
led in this profeshion,
14
ROSE IN BLOOM.
th luitJ I, '" '"■^•^"''''-i-o; but undo
tlH, ught t wouldn't do to have so n.any U.D 's i„ one
-n,y, s,nee Mac tMnk. „f t,.,ing it. 'b,.! s uZ
to,.ve^^^^^^^^^^
gooa, and I 11 stand by yon, no matter what von 'v,.
osen;. eriod Mao heanily ; fo,- this was a ew sty c
L en: giv I.: :'r:, '*"•""■"' "^^-^^ ^ "-'=
ff've. I ,n only the steward of the fortnnn
Pnpa left n,e ; and I think, if I nse it wisely fo the Ip
p.ness of othei-s, it will be more blest than f V ^*"
all for myself." " " ^ ^"^"P "
Very sweetly and simply was this said but it «,;,
r~d'i: '-' '"^ ''"^--'^ ">^ ™-^- ■>-::':
4":tl;:;;i::^,rir-— - :
' ^o^'^j Alec, are "ou jroino- tn l»f +1,,,^ • i
a fine fortune on a„ sortTof^ a ^Mrf '■' ^'J"'""'^'
wild schemes for .!,„ "'aritable nonsense and
cri„,o- • f''™"""" of pauperism and
They who give to the poor lend to thp T ^ i - ,
practical Christianity is the ki-i^r , '"^' "'"'
-as all Dr. Alec a w e . ,^ '^ ": '"^'T "" •'^^'•"
and caused even prudlt u'nd \L t^ -'k""? ,""""'
ucic .uac to t' xuk with 8ud-
i
COMING HOME.
15
f was to dear Aunt
tlicine; but uncle
any M.D.'s in one
. Besides, I seem
Is that I urn better
t is generous and
tter what you 've
5 was a new style
it immensely.
^» and beautiful
le because I have
fl of the fortune
isely for the hap-
ilian if I keep it
said, but it was
various hearers
lother, who ex-
U girl squander
3 nonsense and
pauperism and
the Lord,' and
>ves the best,"
ced the aunts,
' iuk witii sud-
den satisfaction of certain secret investments he ha<l
made, which paid him no interest but the thanks of the
jioor.
Archie and Mac looked well pleased, and pro.nised
llieir advice and assistance with the enthusiasm of cren-
orous young hearts. Steve shook- his head, but lxu\
nothing; and the lads on the rug at once proposed
foundmg a hospital for invalid dogs and horses, white
' mice and wounded heroes.
" ; " Don't you think that will be a better way for a
woman to spend her life, than in dancing, dressing, and
husband-hunting, Charlie?" asked Rose, observinc. his
.silence and anxious for his approval. ' '^
" Very pretty for a little while, 'and very effective
too; for I don't know any thing more captivating than
[a sweet girl in a meek little bonnet, going on chari-
table errands and glorifying poor people's houses with
|a delightful mixture of beauty and benevolence. For-
ftunately, the dear souls soon tire of it, but it's heavenly
while it lasts." ^
Charlie spoke in a tone of mingled admiration and
^ontempt, and smiled a superior sort of smile, as if he
understood all the innocent delusions as well as the
|rtful devices of the sex, and expected nothing more
from them. It both surprised and grieved Rose, for
ft did not sound like the Charlie she had left two years
|go. But she only said, with a reproachful look and
/ proud little gesture of head and hand, as if .he
€1^ subject aside since it was not treated with
g
im
If
IG
EOSE IN BLOOM.
" I am sorry yon l.ave so low an opinion of Mromcn •
thoro ^as a time when you believed in them sin^
cercly."
" I ■lO still, „,,„„ ,„j, „„,,,, I ,,„ ; ^|_ ^^
more clcvoted a.l,ni,.er an.l rfavo i„ the woH.l thn„ I
a.n. J..,t try n,o an,l «oo," cri.d Cl.urli., gall,„,tly
l-'ssnig Ins I,a,„l to tho sex in general
But Kose was not a,,,,ease,l, an.l gave a disdainful
slw ng as sl,e answered with a look in her eyes that hi,
lordshij. didnotlil(o,_ ""tins
"Thank you: I don't want adndrers or slaves, but
fnends and helpers. I Vi lived so long with a ;is
good nn,„ that I an, rather hard to suit, perhaps ; b„
I Jon t .ntend to -lower n,y standard, and any one who
XT "T ,'"=""■'' '™^' ■■" 'o^'^' "7 'o live up to it."
Whew 1 here 's a wrathful dove ! Con.e and s.nooth
c, .uffled plumage, Mac. I '11 do,lge before I do fur-
ther nnseluef,'- and Charlie strolled away into L
other room, pnvately lamenting th,at Uncle Alec had
si.o.led a fine girl by making her strong-ndnded.
lo w,shod hhnself back again in five minutes; for
Mae sanl son.eth.ng that produced a g,de of laughter
nd when he took a look over his shoulder the " ^rath-
fi. dove was cooing so peacefully and pleasantly he
was sorely tcnpted to return and share the (nn. Uut
Charhe had been spoiled by too n.uch indul.ene
and .t was hard for hi.n to own hin,self in tho Tv "„ ,'
wanted sooner or later; and, havin-r Ion.. ^ ^ i
' ' u^-ifig long ago made
HI.
opinion of Avomcn :
eved in tlicni sin-
! Thoy liavon't .1
n the world than I
Charlie, gallantly
rieral.
g.'ive a disdainful
n her eyes that his
I'ers or slaves, but
long with a wise,
^^uit, perhaj)s ; but
and any one who
to live up to it."
Come and smooth
re before I do fur-
d away into the
Unele Alec had
ig-niinded.
five minutes; for
gale of laughter,
dder the " w^rath-
md pleasantly he
re the fun. But
Luch indulgence,
ielf in the wron^
fs got what he
long ago made
COMING HOME.
17
ffi
up his mind that Hose and her fortune were to be Ins,
lib was secretly displeased at the new plans and beliefs
of the young lady, but flattered hi.nself that they
would soon be change<l when she saw how unfashion-
able and inconvenient they were.
Musing over the delightf.d future he had laid out
he made himself comfortable in the sofa corner near
his mothei till the appearance of a slight refection
caused both groups to melt into one. Aunt Plenty
believed in eating and drinking; so the slightest excuse
for festivity delighted her hospitable soul, and on this
joyful occasion she surp.assed herself.
It was during this informal banquet that Rose
roammg about from one admiring relative to another'
came upon the three younger lads, who were having
a quiet little scuffle in a secluded corner.
" Come out here and let me have a look at you," she
said enticingly ; for she predicted an explosion and
I>ublic disgrace if peace was not speedily restored
Hastily smoothing themselves down, the youncr o-en-
tlemen presented three flushed and merry counte-
nances for inspection, feeling highly honored by the
command.
" Dear me, how you two have grown ! You bio-
I t nngs! how dare you get ahead of me in this way^"
.| she said, standing on tiptoe to pat the curly pates be-
I fore her; for Will andGeordie had shot up like weeds,
^ and now grinned cheerfully down upon her as she sur-
veycd them in comic amazement.
ii Wi aHa
18
I I
f
JiOSE IN- BLOOM.
1 1 111
■ " The r,„„,,lx.ll., „,.,. ,„ „„ .,„
Vc. c ,,,lo,-tha,, Move „„«,,. ,„,f . ,„,j, i„j,, ^,
™, .ulded Geonlu., will, his „„,, ,„ n,,, ..^^
ont of ,ny ,vits," alio sai.I, h„„.l,in.. u ih. !
it as she .,,„kc. ° ° '" ""'"'°''^ "-^
Thoy can.e i„ a body, and, rt,mdi„g d,o„Idc.,- to
shouhl..,-, made such an i„,,,osi„„ ,,„.,„ .T,„ T
eonnnande. .as .-athe.. daLu^r:,:'! tl^T^Z
J' tunc, and the tlesjre to try a mvUsh to^t
."iT-s ... ,™ „„,„ ,1, j,.,.,i.,c:;
arm.
COMING HOME.
ft'Hows; and we
oiildn't wonder if
." observed Will
iij^line r<)()>stor, all
t Kose kept ]icr
get our growth.
ii lit'ad, botli of
lie air.
1, with a sudden
!'!« naj)kin, and
i»s queen of the
^ Ins deathless
I 've a fancy to
5ver, as you did
^ fi-ij^ditened me
llio memory of
"g shoulder to
that the young
moment. But
d lately to be
y a girlish test
>iniling cousins
you stared at
1 boys for en-
"g Iier alarm.
19
I 'm not a bit afraid of you now ; so trend.Ic and
beware!"
As she s])oke, Rose looked up into Archie's face and
■ nod.led approvingly ; for the steady gray eyes met
; liors fairly, and softened as they did so, -a becoming
change, for naturally they were rather keen than
kind.
"A true Campbell, bless you ! " she said, and shook
his hand heartily as she passed on.
Charlie came next, and here she felt less satisfied
though scarcely conscious why; for, as she looked'
there came a defiant sort of flash, char.ging suddeidy
to something warmer than anger, stronger than pride,
making her shrink a little and say, hastily,—
"I don't find the Charlie I left; but ihe Prince is
there still, 1 see."
Turning to Mac with a sense of relief, she gently
took off his "winkers," as Jamie called them, and
looked straight into the honest blue eyes that looked
straight back at her, full of a frank and friendly affec
i tion that warmed her heart, and made her own eyes
brighten as she gave back the glasses, saying, with a
look and tone of cordial satisfaction,—
" You are not changed, my dear old Mac ; and I 'm
so glad of that ! "
"Xow say something extra sweet to me, because
1 m the flower of the family," said Steve, twirliiu.
the blonde moustache, which was evidently the pride
of his life.
20
HOSE IN BLOOM.
Kose saw at a glance that Dandy deservorl 1 •
niore than ever nnrl . , , -^ ^^'^'^^'^^^'^ ^^^s name
" Let Ir Iff'"' °T ''"""' "j--''^™
feeing th.U he dia /„~"r f """'"'' ''''
every one's opinion when Roso'Tl """""«'■"
W", saying, with a kiss _ ^ ^"' '""^ ''"""d
too S:rxt:[aiir;r,""'''^ ''''"--
emnds for me.» ''"'" ^'^e to do my
i""^:.:.'^nu;;vtr"T,r:.7r'>^-"'"
"bout her with g,,tef„l ardor ° '' " "" "'""«
" ""'■ ' '""'•^' '"^ ™"'^ -^ that you 'd hotter marry
I/.
deserved his name
nched his vanities
of the family is
i-ed Will.
2cl Geordie, mind-
ud of you ; only
r be ashamed to
Rose, with a gen-
roung giant; for
their boyish eyes
IS.
his manliest air,
itage among his
t of the class in
ler arms round
the others are
'^S^ to do my
too, if you 'II
Jamie, rather
on.
)wt?" laughed
t, as he clung
better marry
COMING HOME.
21
I
■#
one of us, and keep the property in the family; sol
speak first, because you are very fond of me, and I do
love curls."
Ah, for Jamie ! this awful speech had hardly left
his innocent lips when Will and Geordie swept him
out of the room like a whirlwind; and the howls of
that hapless boy were heard from the torture-hall,
where bemg shut into the skeleton-case was one of the
mildest imnish.nents inflicted upon him
Dismay fell upon the unfortunates who remained :
bu their confusion was soon ended ; for Rose, with a
look which they had never seen upon her face before
dismissed them with the brief command, "Break
Phebe"^^' '''''''"^ '' ""'''''" ^'"""^ ''^^^'^ ^^^'^^ ^^
" Confound that boy ! You ought to shut him up,
or gi^g him ! » fumed Charlie, irritably
" He shall be attended to," answered poor Arcjiie
who was trying to bring up the little marplot with
the success of most parents and guardians
" The whole thing was deuced disagreeable," growled
Steve, who felt that he had not distinguished himself
in the late engagement.
"Truth g«,en,lly is," observed Mac dryly, as he
strolled away with his odd smile.
As if he suspected discord sornewliere. Dr. Alec
,.ra,,osed music at this crisis; aud the young ,,eo,,le
felt that It was a Iiappy thought.
" I want you to hear both „,y birds ; for they have
^'l
ItOSE IN BLOOM.
\\ m in
the kitchen. " ^^ ''^''" ^^'^ ^^^^^ ^vas in
" I 'JI give you some of the deir nT.T c^
to like so much Ti • 7 """^^ >'"" "sod
It chanced to be " TI.o i^- t
vivid,, rocaned the til if j^/ ^'"'t"'^'" -"^
involuntarily lie,- eve w,n i„ , • ° '""'' ="'<1
^vas not fa,. Iv'v "^ ,:'''"" '^''^'l '" ^^''voli of hin>. I-I„
she soothed In'; S 'I' " '" "^^'' '" ^" -l.en
ehai- With hi, I otr: Tr'"""^' -^^'■•""•' »' ^
-ggc'stod the attitude He,, he,?"'." '' '^"^ ^°'«
I'im a.s she looked and .., '^""' '°^'™«1 '»
no one else- f„ V"! """' '° ""-S"" ^- «
^i»e, 101 she was sure thot ]i« i.^^
-■.;;v,dansabouthcrti,.eson,e„:on; '"°""'™-
«nc ::::;'::,,:::t; ^™^'-. »'^- -• «.-> ..is
,^ «l'uji uLi wufi ,^n express on r^^? +^ i
i-ation, ^vhich made he,- l-.., i "'^•'^ ''^^""-
--nuneonseir: i;:r;r''"r''
»^iJL ^s as both amused and
Jk
COMING HOME.
23
>road of them,"
and pulling out
'ou have heard
canary," added
se ; for slie sat
rather shy and
r place ^vas in
ongs you used
I think; "and
lii* that came,
no means fin-
3rfeldie," and
' ill, and she
Jt to her, and
of him. He
to sit when
-astride of a
if the song
softened to
■give him if
1 no merce-
1 fixed his
nder admi-
her efforts
Jiused and
annoyed at liis very evident desire to remind her of
certain sentimental passages in the last year of their
girl and boyhood, and to change what she had consid-
ered a chiMish joke into romantic earnest. This did
not suit her; fur, young as slie was, Pti^se had very
serious ideas of love, and had no intention of bein*'
beguiled into even a flirtation with her handsome
cousin.
So Charlie attitudinized unnoticed, and was gettinf^
rather out of temper when Phebe bei^an to sinfr- and
he forgot all about himself in admiration of her. It
took every one by surprise : for two years of foreicni
trammg added to several at home had worked won-
ders; and the beautiful voice that used to warble
clieeiily over pots and kettles, now rang out melodi-
ously or melted to a mellow music that woke a sym-
pathetic thrill in those who listened. Rose glowed
with pride as she accomi)anied her friend ; for Phebe
was in her own world now, — a lovely world where
no depressing memory of poor-house or kitchen, igno-
rance or loneliness, came to trouble her; a happy
world where she could be herself, and rule others by
the magic of her sweet gift.
Yes, Phebe was herself now, and showed it in the
change that came over her at the first note of music.
No longer shy and silent, no longer the image of a
handsome girl, but a blooming woman, alive and full
of the eloquence her art gave lior, as she laid her hands
softly together, fixed her eye on the light, and just
24
^0^'^ m BLOOM.
Mac, AVDino- l,,\ n.-no t^ <-^ci.iimecl Uncle
th.-.t'„ev' ;;.!;: ii;: "*'" ""<' °^"- '"-'"ivo b.,,.,.,.
"So it ,vo„W ! •> „,„,,e,.ea Dr. Alec, delightedly
So ,t has," added A.-ol,ie to l,ira,clf • and
'•'if It: for iii«f .„ ,1 . """uscit, and lie was
pLhe. To tul r?'°'r"''''" '"" '" '"" -"t
though r,\t; ' '""■'"■ ""' """'• '- "-•'•"y
lie over beheld ■ if fi, loveliest woman
was an an. i,',; , ' ? ""' '""'"^ """'"- P-t, she
nine ho Js . ri" 7 • "'^ ' """ »' ''"'^ ""-
to that tel r ! l.r"' ■'""'" "'"' " "•"'"'"- -»
J;;™rh::e™rrr--f";"^^-'."o-
quite true- and «ol,„ , ' '"=>"'"«-''<^^s, it was
discovered a fund o' ''"^'™-'"'« Archie suddenly
«-as not quite clear what had ,n T '"'"• ""
-d sat about in a .lale: st r;^::! f ," '■'''
knowing nothing but Phebe • 11'-, °' ""'
"oyound soniethiiig wan.:: ;„ t *;j::,,:™°"f ''--
modestly received, because Mr A J ""'" '"
word. ^^ '''"'' never said a
COMING HOME.
25
ully as the Jark
'oice that wiiia
clnimed Uncle
liiitive ballads
^lightedly.
; and he was
in Jove with
e time almost
e, he merely
n ; at twenty
3liest woman
tes 25ast, she
at half after
lelicious sea
lovers usu-
"g fact, no-
CSS, it was
fe suddenly
torn of his
him. He
lira at first,
gi hearing,
nconscious
praise so
r^er said a
^ This was one of the remnrkable things wliich oc-
* curred that evening; another was tliat IMac paid Rose
a compliment, which was such an uni)recedented fact,
it i)ro(luced a great sensation, though only one person
heard it.
1 i:voryl)ody ha<l gone but Mac and his father, who
was busy with the Doctor. Aunt Plenty was counting
the teaspoons in the dining-room, and Phebe was
helping her as of old. Mac an.l Hose were alone, — he
apparently in a brown study, leaning his elbows on
the chimney-piece; and she lying back in a low chair,
looking thoiightfully at the five. She was tired; and
the quiet was grateful to her: so she kept silence and
Mac respectfully held his tongue. Presently, however,
she became conscious that he was looking at her as
intently as eyes and glasses could do it; and, without
stirring from her comfortable attitude, she said, smil-
ing up at him, —
" He looks as wise 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 the sweetest thing God ever
made.' "
" Why, Mac ! » and Rose sat bolt upright with an
astonished face : this was such an entirely unexpected
sort of remark for the philosopher to make.
Evidently interested in the new discovery, Mac
26
2tOiSE IX BLOOM.
>I..cully c.„„„„„c.,,, " Do yo,. know, it socm, n, if I
■H.C.,. ,v:.lly .,„. „ .i,., ,,,,•„,,,, „, I,,.,
".'.■«..■.: e ...,„„,„,,„,,„„,, ,^., Ifaucy,ou „
:' v<--m:nkMy goo.I s,.udmcn, IJose."
."''^'■'' "'<l"''l! I'... only l.oMrty „„,] ,, ,. ,
,/""™7 "-"l l''^l'W-'-tl.at must be it," ccl.oe.l
Muc soberiy ,„,,,ji,„^. ,,, ^,__^ problem. "Most riri
aresiekvor sillv I tl,l„l- 71 , *
■--. lirobal,ly „.|,y X a,„ «„ ^tniek will, y„u "
y K.,,„ that you don't like o.. notice gi,,J?"
h '„;:'"■• """■'' •-"--• "' "- newpeeuliarityof
"CI studious cousin. ^
" Well u-o : I an, only eonseious of two so>-t,s, _ noisy
ami q.uet one. I ,„,,te,. ,|,e ,,„,,^ ,„ „^ '^
tl ...«, i don't notice ,u,y of tl,e,„ much ,„„,. \Cl
do fl,es, uules. tbey botl.er me; then I'd like to flap
the.,, away ; but, as that wou't do, I hide " ^
Kose leaned back and laughed till her eyes we,-e
ulK t was so eon,ical to hea,- Mae sink his voice Zl
confident,al whispe,- at the last words, and see Z
-le w.th sinla, satisfaction at the .Lmo-y "f
torniGiUors he Juid eluded.
" You needn't Iau<di • if '« n f..^^ r
r^i 1- ,M *=• * ^^ ^ ^ wet, I assure vom
Aouowfe tsuit, of course- Arclii- I- -, .
-- -Kill, la a respecuui slave
"■•%
COMING HOME.
t seems as if I
•iny i<lc'a wli;it
fancy yon are
^ ^'-'Pl'y; «»^l
i"o look better
■iity exce])t to
be it," eelioed
" Most girls
ved; and that
I."
est! Do you
lutice girls?"
peculiarity of
sorts, — noisy
;, as a general
more tJian I
d like to flap
'r eyes were
is voice to a
md see him
^oi-y of the
assure you.
liiin; Steve
ecliul slave
27
when he can't lielp himself. As for me, I do.ft often
<;ive them a chance; and, when I get caught, I t;ilk
science and dead languages till they run for their lives.
Now an<l then I find a sensible one, and then we get
on excellently."
"A sad i)iosi)ect for Phebe and me," sighed Rose,
trying to keep sober.
'' Phebe is evidently a quiet one. I know she is sen-
sible, or you wouldn't care for her. I can see that she
is j.leasant to look at, so I fancy I shall like her. As for
you, I hel].ed bring you up; therefore I am a little
anxious to see how you turn out. I was afraid your
Ibreign polish might spoil you, but I think it has not.
In fact, I find you quite satisfactory so far, if you don't
mind my saying it. I don't quite know what the
charm is, though. Must be the power of inward
graces, since you insist that you have no outward
ones."
Mac was peering at her with a shrewd smile on his
lips, but such a kindly look behind the glasses, that
she found both words and glance very pleasant, and
answered merrily, —
"I am glad you approve of me, and much obliged
for your care of my early youth. I hope to be a credit
to you, and depend on your keeping me straiglit ; for
I 'm afraid I shall be spoilt among you all."
"I'll keep my eye on you upon one condition,"
replied the youthful Mentor.
"Name it."
28
noSE IN BLOOM.
II
If you are goin^ to Imve a lot of lovers round I
^-l,,uy hands of you. If not, I'm your ™nn."
for I ,lo„t want any yet awhile; an.l, between o,u-
- veal don, believe I. hall have any if it is hnoTn
mat 1 am stronff-mmclefl T]>nt f^,*^ •^^
a iiiuuicu. i iiat tact wi]I scare most
men away like a yeilow flag," said Rose, for, thanU
to Dr. Alec s guardianship, she had wasted neither
heart nor tune in the foolish flirtations so many girls
fritter away their youth upon.
"Hum! I rather doubt that," muttered Mae, as he
surveyed the d.arasel before him.
She eertainly did not look unpleasantly strono-.
minded, for she »« beautiful in spite of her mod";
aenia Is. Beautiful with the truest s'ort of beauty t
nobility of charaeter lent its subtle charm to the bloom
o youth the freshness of health, the innocence of!
nature whose sweet maidenliness Mae felt but could
n describe. Gentle yet full of spirit, and all aglow
^..th the earnestness th,at suggests lovely possihiirties '
and makes one hope that such human'fl'owers my
bioim -r ^"^^' "^ -' ~ ---'- -
;' Wait and see," answered Rose ; 'then, as her uncled
voice was heard in the hall, she held ^t her h and
adding pleasantly, " The old times are to begin Zt
.0 onio soon and tell me all your doings, and help 2
with mine just as you used to do »
tj.'Z^
COMING HOME.
29
n-ers round, I
" man."
p them away ;
between oiir-
f it is knoAvn
in scare most
5 : for, thanks
asted neither
many girls
d Mac, as he
ntly strong-
1 Ker modest
beauty; for
to the bloom
ocence of a
t but could
d all aglow
r)ossibilities, '
lowers may
iunshine to
her uncle's
her hand,
egin again,
td help me
" I really do. You are so little altered, except to
grow big, that I don't feel at all strange Avith you, and
want to begin Avhere 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,
stei.ping back in merry confusion ; while the audacious'
youth assumed an air of mild surprise, as he inno-
cently asked, —
" Didn't we always say good-night in that way ? I
had an impression that we did, and were to beffin
just as we left off."
" Of course not ; no power on earth would have
bribed you to do it, as you know well enough. I don't
mind^ the first night, but we are too old for that sort
of thing now."
" I 'II remember. It was the force of habit, I sup-
pose ; for I 'm sure I must have done it in former
tunes, it seemed so natural. Coming, father ! " and
Mac retired, evidently convinced that he was right.
" Dear old thing ! he is as much a boy as ever, and
that is suc^ a comfort ; for some of the others have
grown up very fast," said Rose to herself, recalling
Charlie's sentimental airs, and Archie's beatified expres^
sion while Phebe sans.
ked much
I
ROSE m BLOOM.
CHAPTER II.
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES.
T is so good to be .at home ..gain ! I wonJcr how
we over made ,,p our minds to go a„-ay i" ev
c "".ed Rose, as .he went .-oanung 'hout Ihe oM
.o„se next n.orning, fn„ of ,,, ,^^^^^^ ^
at .■ev.sumg familiu.- nooks and con.ers, and find '
tliom unchanged. "nuing
^"That we might have the pleasure of comin.. baeic
ftei little mistre.ss, as happy as she.
"Every thing seems just as we left it, even to the
rose-leaves we used to tuck in here," cLtiuued the
jounger girl, peeping into one of thL tall Ind ,
that stood about the hall. " ^''"^
"l)on't you ren.ember how Jamie and Pokey used
to play Forty Thieves with them, and how you t Id
to get „,to that blue one and got stuck, and he otW
Xrg,;;: g "™ ' '""'' ^"" -- -'^" ^^
" Yes, indeed ; and speaking of angels one is ant t,.
hear the rustling „f their wings," added R e '^;
-----menpthe^
"It is the circus I" cried Phebe, ...aily n. n,ev h ,1,
recalled the red cart and the charg;;f ^c^ ""*
^1
FACES.
I wonder how
?o away!" cx-
about tlie old
3tion one feels
's, and findinjr
f coming back
be ball besido
t, even to the
iontinued the
ill India jars
Pokey used
)w you ti-ied
id the other
out?" asked
>ne is apt to
Rose, as i»
mied by the
s they both
Clan.
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES. 31
There was only one boy noAv, alas! but he made
noise enough for half a dozen ; and, before Iloso could
run to the door, Jamie came bouncing in with a "sliin-
ing morning face," a bat over his shoulder, a rod nn<l
white jockey cap on his head, one pocket bulging with
a big ball, the other overflowing with cookies and his
mouth full of the apple he was just finishing off in liot
haste.
"Morning! I just looked in to make sure you'd
really come, and see tliat you were all right," he
observed, saluting with the bat and doffing'the gay
cap with one effective twitch.
" Good-morning, dear. Yes, we are really here, and
getting to -ghts as fast as possible. But it seems to
I me you are rather gorgeous, Jamie. What do you
belong 10, — a fire company or a jockey club ? " asked
Rose, turning up the once chubby face, which now was
getting brown, and square about the chin.
"No,ma'«m/ Why, don't you know ? I 'm cap-
tain of the Base Ball Star Club. Look at that, will
you?" and, as if the fact was one of national impor-
tance, Jamie flung open his jacket to display upon his
proudly swelling chest a heart-shaped red-flannel
shield, decorated with a white cotton star the size of
a tea-plate.
" Superb ! I 've been away so long I forgot there
was such a game. And you are the captain ? " cried
liose, deei.ly impressed by the high honor to which
her kinsman had arrived.
82
HOSE IN BLOOM.
«on 0, ,„„ „„,,„ ;,^;- ^^" yo„ ever do that
at tl...o hapless creat„..es, doba Jd frl .f^'"" '°'"'
Periis of manly sports. J"'*'' "'"^
"I can run still ; and T Ml «.«4. *. ^^
see if I rtnn't . " / : " '° *'"= S"'^ ""^fore you ;
goal just ahead, and stood Ir, a, It ""^ ".'"^
an rosy with the fresh OetoW a f 7^:;' ''■■'"r°"'
for seve™, ge„t,e,„e„ who were drlvi,;":;'^ '''"'"'
Uncle Mae lauA.ed aVU- , ? «^>'»t«l. "-d
had risen .i,ht°;t hi o;:r''°'""''"^'='^"s''-'^
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES.
83
bettor believe ;
• eyes, and split
; fellows. You
1 one and two
iiidei-stand what
Lt now if you '11
e, fired with a
iss is wet, and
'r us."
for much gen-
littlc wet, and
u ever do that
a pitying look
I the joys and
;e before you ;
Ise of the mo-
Yd astonished
a<^ the start;
reached the
and panting,
•etty picture
•y-
umping out
saluted, and
I as if gii-ig
"I'm glad it is you, because you won't be shocked.
But I 'm so happy to be back I forgot I was not little
Rose still," said Atalanta, smoothing down her flying
hair,
"You look very like her, with the curls on your
I shoulders in the old way. I missed them last night,
m and wondered what it was. IIow is uncle and
' Phebc ? " asked Archie, whose eyes had been looking
over Rose's head while he spoke toward the piazz^,
where a female figure was visible among the redden-
ing woodbines.
"All well, thanks. W. n't you come up and see for
yourselves ? "
"Can't, my dear, can't possibly. Business, you
. know, business. This fellow is ray right-hand man,
f and I can't spare him a minute. Come, Arch, we
must be off, or these boys will miss their train," an-
swered Uncle Mac, pulling out his watch.
With a last look from the light-haired figure at the
gate to the dark-haired one among the vines, Archie
drove away, and Jamie cantered after, consoling him-
self for his defeat with apple number two.
Rose lingered a moment, feeling much inclined to
continue her run, and pop in npon all the aunts in suc-
cession; but, remembering her uncovered head, was
about to turn back, when a cheerful "Ahoy! ahoy I "
made her look up, to see Mac approaching at a great
pace, waving his hat as he came,
"The Campbells are coming thick and fast this
8
34
ROSE IN BLOOM.
morning, and the more the merrier » ^h. -a
to meet him. « You look ^l! \ '^' '"""^"S
-hool, and virtuoTslv r ' ^"^ '^^ ^^^"^ '-
wav»«l, "^ ;";"«»«^y conning your lesson by the
way, she added, smiling to see him t<it. h,- «
I «m a .ehool-boy going to the school I lik^'best "
iie answered, wavino- a ^7 ^'
iHat remmds me that I didn't <rof „ u
»»ch about your p,a„, ,as ' ght -te fh"" > '° """"
talked at once and v„„ , ^'"- ""^ "'her boys all
then. Wha ;,ave ''°T'^ «"' '» » ^ord now and
wnat liave you decided to be Mip?" o.i, i
wHafG":;:"''''^-''-"«e> after tba,
suddenly giiVri:? """"""^ '"^ ■"'''' "-«
"Ithmk yoxxwill be somethino- sdIph.!;^ ^^
;:r itr xf ^- --- -"; t/:-
' "^ 'eaves with the sunshine on vour fa^« " ■
exclaimed, conscious of . , jj , ^ '^^' *'''«
before ; for Mac wl tt " '"""'■^"°" "^^^ f'"
I don. know about that; but I h.ve my dreams
le said, running
i boy going to
lesson by the
e his finger out
<3ing, and tuck
ears ago.
ol I like best,"
f asters, as if
'out them, full
line.
Jhance to hear
>ther boys all
'^ord now and
^ac?" asked
by side.
2 ; after that,
words, made
see a new
but she felt
B mists part
in-top, shin-
^ I for you
his arch of
face," she
1 never felt
3ousin8.
31}' dreams
? OLD FRIENDS WITH NE W FA CES. 35
and aspirations, and some of them are pretty high
ones. Aim at the best, you know, and keep climbing
{ if you want to get on," he said, looking at \he asters
' wuh an inward sort of smile, as if he and they had
some sweet secret between them.
J " You are queerer than ever. But I like your am-
y bition, and hope you will get on. Only mustn't you
begm at something soon ? I fancied you would study
medicme with uncle : that used to be our plan, y^
know."
" I 8hall, for the present at least, because I quite
agree with you that it is necessary to have an anchor
somewhere, and not go floating off into the world of
imagmation without ballast of the right sort. Uncle
and I had some talk about it last night, and I 'm going
up to begm as soon as possible ; for I 've mooned long
enough," and giving himself a shake, Mac threw down
V the pretty spray, adding half afoud, —
" Chide me not, laborious band,
For the idle flowers I brought :
. Every aster in my hard
Goes home iaden with a thought."
Rose caught the words and smiled, thinking to her-
self, « Oh that '8 it : he is getting into the sentimental
age, and Aunt Jane has been lecturing him. Dear me
how we are growilig up ! " *
"You look as if you didn't like the prospect very
I wel^ she said aloud : for Mao had rammed the volume
I of Shelley mto his pocket, and the glorified expres-
36
ROSE m BLOOM.
mists. ' "■' "ountain-top behind tlie
a ii'or; ::nL;i :ixt r ^ '-'"-'-
than uncle? I Ve ^ot ITT '^ " ■"="*"• '^""her
high time I .ent atTo '! ^ "^ ""'" '•^'^'>-' »-> '« '«
-d Mae ,.brnpt,;;::S'"^ T "" " ""''' ' «" ''
ear:r:r3i::xs:tn"'"-'--
should be served ^r ^l^njLZl fl '"''''"^^
ments to devote to sentiment . "^ " ^"^ ""-
t he,^ out w a™:5::'c,; 1" ^-^^ -- '»•
-tiKeTe::':;i;v" "■-'■"<' •'-'^ '•^^'■'.
« bit too heavy ■ ZlT .'"""• ^o- y" >« "ot
before Novembe :To ttTe " "r"'' hegin much
two am,s round my neet •' ' '''"^' '*'"' I""' ^o"
Eose obeyed, and neither 8not» f
the old woman held the vJ '^ ■" " "o"^"'. "'
the two years- ^Jl 7"/ <"■ V'«-. »d appeased '
caresses women ZVj T "'' ""^^^ ''^ *"e
«%ht in the mildL of aZTo:'""^' '" ''''^■
^ddonly; and, holding out onl !''"'' """ ^'"Pf^-i
--as tryi ,„.,!;:: --.oau^^
there^:n't:mra;'^r'"^''"'^"'"^'-'*'«'-.h
ied that she had
-top behind the
ht the profession
a better teacher
^•itely, and it is
so here I go,"
udj', while Kose
after long and
orite puddings
had a few mo-
Kose came in,
Id back again,
^o, you 're not
't begin much
and put your
a moment, as
and appeased '
beart by the
est to them,
she stopped
"ght Phebe,
d.
love, though
?et my dear
I
V whof T J
m
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES. 37
about," said Aunt Plenty, embracing Phebe so heartily
that she could not feel loft out in the cold, and stood
there with her black eyes shining through the happiest
tears.
" There, now I 've had a good hug, and feel as if I
M-as all right again. I wish you 'd set that cap in
order. Rose: I went to bed in such a hurry I pulled
the strings off and left it all in a heap. Phebe, dear,
you shall dust round a mite, just as you used to ; for
I haven't had any one to do it as I like since you 've
been gone, and it will do me good to see all my knick-
knacks straightened out in your tidy way," said the
elder lady, getting up with a refreshed expression on
her rosy old face.
" Shall I duit in here too ? " asked Phebe, glanc
ing toward an inner room which used to be her
care.
" No, dear, I 'd rather do that myself. Go in if you
hke : nothing is changed. I must go and see to my
pudding;" and Aunt Plenty trotted abruptly away
with a quiver of emotion in her voice which made
even her last words pathetic.
Pausing on the threshold as if it was a sacred place,
the girls looked in with eyes soon dimmed by tender
tears; for it seemed as if the gentle occupant was still
there. Sunshme shone on the old geraniums by the
window; the cushioned chair stood in its accustomed
place with the white wrapper hung across it, and
the faded slippers lying ready. Books and basket,
88
ROUE m BLOOM.
knitting and spectacles, were all l„.f u ,
«.em; and the beautif,, tZ„ ,i "ht^ f '"' '"''
the room seemed so natural b^h V "^^ ""''''
-'taril, toward the b d wW 'lutp' ""' '''^"'■
greet them with a smile tZ '"'' "''"' *°
f-e upon the pi„ow :':" yet Z T "t '^'"'' <""
blooming cheeks were Zl , I T' "''" ""'■ ""=
for >.er who was Teft^tetl r'" '"' ^'•"''- •">'
«'hieh spoke eloquent vTr ^ '""^ "omething
d«h and mates' the Lmlles: ^r t'^" .""'"^^'
sacred. ""molest thing beautiful and
-'SpX Sre'ssTthr^ '" '•^^- - ^"
>vas a little hollow where ^J uT' '""'^ '^''^
''hile Aunt Plenty s!idtL ^ "^ ""^ "'^^''^ '''"''^'
J- seventy years'^ ""^"^ "°^ '»°"'- t-Sht
Rose retrimmed the JZlV^ ""'' "''l"'^'*^ o'der,
yel'ow ribbons n er'r^uld „' ""'."'"" "'»'' -"
o-d by their tasks, and be, TV. '" '"""« "o""
the faithful love and pTetv wh f ^ '""'"^''S"' "^
woman's life. '^ ^ '''""''' '""""fl'^d » good old
■>a^i^"V:::^:Tr;ef.:^ - f <> - get you
oouMn-t keep away anoti "'1,:::'^^':' ' '"'"'
you •• I 'm dying to see ,11 ^^' "« ""''P
I^awthe trunks pa and H"' ''"™'"' *""^= *"
pass, and I know you Ve quantities
as she had left
bat always filled
>rs turned invol-
Peace used to
8 no sweet old
rs that wet the
> Jiad gone, but
saw something
which outlives
beautiful and
f'e bed, and in
y couch there
lightly re-*ed,
nother taught
be door; and,
quisite order,
'^•e pink and
feeling hon-
nowledge of
i a good old
to get you
>ut I really
Bt me help
things; for
J quantities
I OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES. 39
I of treasures," cried Annabel Bliss, all in one breath
■■ as she embraced Rose an hour later, and glanced
about the room bestrewn with a variety of agreeable
objects.
" IIow well you are looking ! Sit down and I '11
show you my lovely photographs. Uncle cliose all
the best for me, and it 's a treat to see them," answered
Rose, putting a roll on the table and looking about for
more.
" 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 see the last
styles," and Annabel cast a hungry eye toward certain
large boxes delightfully suggestive of French finery.
" I h iven't got any," said Rose, fondly surveying
the fine photographs as she laid them away.
"Rose Compbell! you don't mean to say that you
didn't get one Paris dress at least? "cried Annabel,
scandalized at the bare idea of such neglect.
" Not one for myself : Aunt Clara ordered several,
and will be charmed to show them when her box
comes."
'•'• Such a chance ! right there and plenty of money !
How cow/J you love your uncle after such cruelty?"
sighed Annabel, with a face full of sympathy.
Rose looked puzzled for a minute, then seemed to
understand, and assumed a superior air which became
her very well, as she said, good-naturedly opening a box
40
ROSE IN BLOOM.
■ of ,„at ,„n!" ' ' ' """^ '"" "" ^P™" " oa thiag,
"CoiiM and (li,I„'t! I canV h,.i- • .
too much f„,. her. "" *''""«'" >«■»
finuued, and not V 1 a7.„ f"?'""' ""'^ '""^■"
••""d koi)t what I valued ,„ ^"™ "''"'"?•
Worth ever made " '" "'•■"' "" ""^ S^wns
^h:r:M:;'rir''^"-'«^A-ahc,. hoping
lay the lovely picture thn ,.''■' '"° '^■■""' *'"^'-«
of the litt Jtr-;:; t !:;; ir-^^ ^^--^ '-
aTitt::^-"-----"-^^^^^^^^^
" Uncle thinks one has no nVht t„
™eh things; but he is very Snel "^"""^^ »"
give useful, heau.i,,,, „r o:i„'r:C'' st T^ '"
pretty ornaments are for presents a ' ''" *'"'^<'
first whatever you like." ' ^"" """' "hooso
o'"g it, and I had
end it on thijjgs
lieve it!" And
lie thought was
01" the fun of tho
t some amazing
ivo, very much
g''ive them up,
'•ill the gowns
Annabel, hopin
S
Kose, looking
^S ease, where
y» remind her
ty, which not
opinion."
f, and fell to
lose went on
e dived into
ite money on
md Joves to
'ee, all these
^ shall choose
OLD FRIENDS WITH ::E IV FACES. 41
« He 's a perfect dear ! " cried Annabel, revelling in
the crystal, filigree, coral, and m.)saic trinkets spread
before her; while Rose completed her rapture by add-
ing simdry tasteful trifles fresh from Paris.
"Now tell me, when do you mean to have your
coming-out party? I ask because I 've nothing ready,
and want plenty of time ; for, I suppose, it will be the
event of the season," asked Annabel, a few minutes
later, as she 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 to have some sort of merry-
making to celebrate our return. I shall beirin as I
mean to go on, and have a simi)le, sociable ' l ot party,
and invite every one whom I like, no matter in what
'set' they happen to belong. No one shall ever say
/ am aristocratic and exclusive : so prepare yourself
. to be shocked; for old friends and young, rich and
« poor, will be asked to all my parties."
" Oh, my heart ! you are going to be odd just as
mamma predicted 1» sighed Annabel, clasping her
hands m despair, and studying the effect of three
bracelets 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 me odd, I can't help it. I shall
endeavor not to do any thing very dreadful ; but I seem
I to inherit uncle's love for experiments, and mean to
try some. I dare say they will fail and I shall get
lu.^hud at J I intend to do it nevertheless, so you
42
fl
I I
^0^^ /i\r BLOOM.
had better drop me now before TV.-,,
^'^th an air of resolution that t .'^'°' '"'^ ^«^>
" Wl^at shall you weart ,, "''" '^^^"'"^•
>^0"- ?" asked InnalirCL ';;:;" ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ of
a" delicate or dan^^erou. f • "^ ^ ^^^^ ^^^ to
she understood^ ^' ''^^^^.'-^"^ ^^^P-^ to matters
" That white thino- nv«,. *k
»"d nebe has onXl P' ' '^ '"•^'' ^"^ ?-«-■
"■an she does; „„<, got s o"T r"" '"" ""^«
™ost appropriate and becorainl, /°" "" "'-^Vs
" Phebe ! you don't leT„"f ^'* "^ """ ^S--"
• ""ke a lady of A../" g, ned a''^''?' '"'^ S"'"^ '»
f easnres, as she fell bacS ' "P'"«'"S ">»'
""■e Chair oreak ^,:^,T^r^ '"- »«^e the
as a partridge. ^^''^ ^^s as plump
sHi';:;rriTt';::\::^Sf;^ s%hts her
dearest," cried Rose, warmly ® '■""" ^■"' 'he
J. es, of course T
«)"■'« right; for sL ».«nu™"o::tr'-^°" "-
and then hovr glad you '11 fee, thT ^•'"'"''ody,
*° her!" said Annabel, vee 1 'l "T '""■' ^° «<""»
which way the wind blej ^ ""'' "' °»°«' «««!«?
Before Rose could si»at „ •
from the hall, _ "^"^ "S"'"' " <"''ery voice called
^aittle mistress, where are you f»
in my room, Phebe, dear " ,„^
«oso was going to "ma e T iadT'f ?, "^ ""^ «"'
- that Annabel opened her^^e^Ut:^: Ind"
>egin," said Rose,
her alarming.
' sort of party of
^g a deaf ear to
'eping to matters
fresh and pretty,
mt to dress more
3oi't are always
» of our age."
»» are going to
') upsetting her
' that made the
was as plump
ho slights her
tnowand the
ed, — you are
56 somebody,-
^ere so good
once.
seeing
' voice called
nie the gh-l
^ing so like
' eyes, and
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES. 43
f Bmiled involuntarily as Phebe dropped a little courtesy
in playful imitation of her old manner, and said
quietly, —
'' How do you do, Miss Bliss ? "
, "Glad to see you back. Miss Moore," answered
4 Annabel, shaking hands in a way that settled the ques-
" tion of Phebe's place in her mind for ever ; for the
i stout damsel had a kind heart in spite of a weak head,
and was really fond of Rose. It was evidently, « Love'
■ me, love my Phebe ;" so she made up her mind on the
spot that Phebe was somebody, and that gave an air
of romance even to the poor-house.
She could not help staring a little, as she watched
the two friends work together, and listened to their
happy talk over each new treasure as it came to light ;
for every look and word plainly showed that years of
close companionship had made them very dear to one
another. It was pretty to see Rose try to do the
. hardest part of any little job herself : still prettier to
see Phebe circumvent her, and untie the hard knoti.,
fold the stiff papers, or lift the heavy trays with her
own strong hands ; and prettiest of all to hear her say
in a motherly tone, as she put Rose into an easy
chair, — ^
" Now, my deary, sit and rest ; for you will have to
see company all day, and I can't let you get tired out
so early."
"That is no reason why I should let you either.
Call Jane to help or Til bob up again directly,"
44
HOSE m BLOOM.
answered Ro«iP «,;*i,
avose, With a verv J.n 7
thority. ^^^^ ^^^l assumption of au-
••*^«■- feet „fiH;t:::!.::r"^'"'^ ''--''
'h^ .-est of „3. I do ho" R ^°"' """ ^""'^'y *i"'
said Annabel to l.erself .T , '""'' '«' "^"^ <><l<i."
b^'l^and^ad^estdi 'l:„':"7r '° '^ "° S™"
-' « -.Sle P.HS CO tt "l" T' f.""' '"■" «"- "-d
The wis,. „.a, g™ ed t "''""'"P""-'' ''- guest,
"to the parlor to deeide whe """"' "'"•"' '"• ^"'"S
^'"""d hang, she sawTp ^ J ! "'""^ "' '"^ J'-'-es
'"at Charlie was busi,;o„olL^ fT' ""' '''""--^
"The voice of the lii;? ' , ''"'"^f """""g-
dodged til, .he wen?„ Tta"" ""'T '" "'« '"■"^^o 1
gui^hed t.-ave„er,lad/jL"^;i7^f '» '"« distin-
'-f-.'upto.a.cehilhenow'^"''"''^'"^ '
^''-o,eeofthes,ugga..dwou,dhea,noreaop..o.
/ 1 1
OM.
I J
assumption of au-
'Stairs ; but no one
's iong as I 'ni with
: to put a hassock
l but I don't know
' "'to society with
«"'t be veri/ odd "
^"^y^y to circulate
' to be no grand
a", that liose had
kIi to refi-esh the
Je friends.
a» tiie boys but
J wonder what
om the hall door,
ied her guest,
^fter J for, going
^^ iier pictures
one end of the
and discovered
^g notliing.
tlie land, so I
^ took a brief
to the distin- I
>Pe," he said, ' |
I more
appro-
OZD FRIENDS WITH NEW FA CES. 45
Pprinte quotation, I think. Does Annabel still pine for
lyou?" asked Rose, recalling certain youthful jokes
S>on the subject of unrequited affections.
" Not a bit of it. Fun has cut me out, and the fair
^ Innabella will be Mrs. Tokio before the winter is over,
if I 'm not much mistaken."
' " What, little Fun See ? How droll it seems to
tthink of him grown up and married to Annabel of all
people! She never said a wo, 1 about him ; but this
accounts for her admirin^ pretty Chinese things,
and bemg so interested ii. ...aton."
" Little Fun is a great swell now, and much enam-
cured of our fat friend, who will take to chopsticks
whenever he says the word. I needn't ask how you
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 after your voyage."
"I was running a race with Jamie before nine
o'clock. What were you doing, young man?"
Sleeping I dreamed, love, dreamed. love, of thee,' "
began Charlie ; but Rose cut him short by saying as
reproachfully as she could, while the culprit stood re-
gardmg her with placid satisfaction,—
" You ought to have been up and at work like the
rest of the boys. I felt like a drone in a hive of very
busy bees, when I saw them all hurrying off to their
business."
"But, my dear girl, I've got no business. I'm
46
^OSE m BLOOM.
gentleman i„ a family and ,h?^' °"^'" *" "^ ""^
•"y 'ine," answered Cbal „ 'T' *" '"' '''^<"
«•"'. an assumption T^:Z7 "" ^'^ '""'™"'-'
oTC:r-^-----Co;^:rn:r
" ^* "O"™. of course. I .i,„„,^ u
"•an of leisure. You see i/i "^ '"'<■ e^-''^-
^'ave a« Archie does Wh t IT'"' "^ ''"""'P"'« «»
the money, got plenty • Iwht ! ""' ^ ^""'' "^^"J
"^ of the sofa, smlli„; arf " '^ "* "" '"« '
^gaging „„,„„ ™^/ ;' »■■« cousin in the mdst
-ean philosophy ^Z'rZ :7e "'' ''" '"^ ^P''
«P0"; but it v,as diffient ,! ""' "* ""^S'""**
because he always dodged s„h ''T" '""* ^'''""^.
f"" of cheery spLts, onf h ed'tlT"''' ■*"" ^^ ^ '
--who.toc:trX;-X"?:s
OM.
d do the ornamental
^ys ought to be one
seems to be rather
S for the character,
E^gance which would
nkling eyes had not
^ in our family, I
>"d air she always
?atory to the name
have said gentle-
t my principles to
»se ? Don't need
njoy it, and keep
5 cheerful people
f woe."
proposition, espe-
'nan, who looked
«s he sat on the -
'in in the most
ell that the Epi-
ne to begin life
with Charlie,
cts, and was so
'en the sort of
lef actor,
'ng things that
though I gtiji
OLD FRIENDS WITH NE W FA CES. 47
.^hink I'm right," she said gravely. «^Mac likes to
idle as well as you; but he is not going to do it be
;r\t^--^^'«^^^^orhimt^friLa::yht
t^me. He ,s gomg to study a profession like a wise
hoy; though he would much prefer to live among h
kloved books, or ride his hobbies in peace." "
"That's all very well for Aim, because he doesn't
#are for society, and may as well be studying medicine
|1 nii^ty philosophers and old-fashioned poets " an
•wered Charlie, with a shrug which plainl/e IsTd
»is opinion of Mac. cApreesea
SwT''^ '\ r^'^ philosophers, like Socrates and
^ tot!e, and old-fashioned poets, like Shakspeare and
#^~,^re not safer c<>„pa„, for him to i^ep . '
liie rn„l^ u y , ^'"*' ^^^"* ^'^^ oats ; for
We HteCr,::'7,--f-. »^ had' no.
pleasant. ^ ^o-- '» '°«g « seemed unusually
I But Charlie changed the subject skilfully by ex
drnming with an anxious expression,- ^ ^
ArthatVw :/°" "?""^ '" "« "■'^ A""' Jane;
»r that s just the way she comes dov™ on me when
-.•i:t;hri!o;ri::i:^*"'^^*^^'^^^^^^^^^^^
The fear of being disagreeable is a i^eat h..„b.., ^
; .=n, as this artful young man well "knew, and Ro^
■^m
48
ROSE IN BLOOM,
fell into the trap at once • for Annf t
which l„„„ed in the J, oornor ^^"'"" ""S'^'
a Yani^eo trick of Im;''!''''" ^''^"^"' "> ""^
another. "^m^S to one question with
twldtni" vTlI'r " """"f"-"''" and Rose
...ie% that ::::ritt7"' ""' ''^ ^'"-^ "°^»
inl!rpti;;:r:7^ f^.-.' iaa„ba,itt,e
then, and poke abt/!.?"'"""'' *'''"'' "-"^ ""d
comes on." ' ""^ ''"*°^ -"» '"e artistic fit
"How is the music?"
"Moreflourisliing. I don't n.o„.-
a good deal i„ eompt/ Set „',,"'?''• ''"' ""«
and went troubadourinLun. "'^ ''' ™'""'^■••
'ike it, and it 's jolly amo„T,H /.T ''^'" """<' §=*
« . J""^ among the fellows."
^^ Are you studying any thing?"
biJS.ok:;:;:;r':°tr"^-'''e.-.ood,
semi-occasionnllf whTT *** * ""•" »* ««>•'
But I doubt if; 7: " r """^ "' p^-"'» -'■"<'''■
^-•.i^rearVi^A^rLirinZt^r-"^''''
g-ted t,.at he sometimes Zued ^S'oiZT
of legal knowledge. 'iimseit of this bit
I
J.
OM.
It Jane was far from
not help respecting
nting?" she asked
f Fra AngeJico anff
el
^ery like you about
ho seemed to have
one question with
liment," and Rose
^ the -icture more
no! I daub a little
> sketch now and
len the artistic fit
36 much, but sing
Jitar last summer,
t style. The girls
ly table, — good,
3 a turn at them
>r parents chide,
what 'a allybi'
arlie's eye sug-
iself of this bit
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES. 49
" What do you do then ; »
f " ^t "T^"'' ^ '"J"^ "^y'^^^' Private theatricals
iave been the rasre of late anri T k„ ""^'iincaia
«»,„♦ T • , ' ^ ^ ^^^® won such laurels
fcl„~^ tM„. 0, .aop«„g .,e .age as ^y p.t
^ "^ea»yl" cried Rose, alarmed.
\ " Why not ? if I ,nw5^ go to work isn'f tKof
•8 any thing ? » ' ''' * *^^* ^« S^^d
^' Not without more talent than I think you possess
r^hgemus onecan do anything: without it one hd
•etter let the stage alone."
_ "There's a quencher for the <star of the goodlie
»^n,pan.e' to which I belong. Mac hasn't a 2
t7" '"'y *'''"g' y"' yo" '"'mire him for trvin,
*> be an M.D.." crii.fl rto.i- , trying
Words. ^' ""'"'• "^"'^d by her
■ " It is respectable, at all events ; and I 'd rither >.„
•eeond-rate doctor th.an a Second-rate actor Bu/ i
W. you don't mean it, and only say so to friX
|a.e, the aunts hold nptheirt::;;:^^;™
t general panic ensues. Then I mag„.a„ilX pr 1
"e not to disgrace the family ; and in the fi,.c. I ! I
ratitude the dear souls agre'e 'to ev y tin; 7:1
fe ce ^„, J ^^ ^_^ ^^ wa/reioifing : ' "
Just the way you used to threaten to ru^ o« .«
!.% if your mother objected
to
acy of your whims.
50
ROSE m BLOOM.
J^ck of all trades and master of none.' "
o«o partiir , ;iT : ;;'"^ -^^^'^ ^°- -
after year. Peonle ^f " % ^ """"^ "* " >■«■•"■
row and taJlt °' ""^.'-^^^ S^' «» ''^"oedly „ar.
is the thing and Ihe „ ? ' """ *""""• ^""•-
wide tield i; thf en ■ . """ ^"'^ '^ '•""Si-S »ver a
"ciu IS the easiest to acmiirp +v.« u i-
have and the „„3t sueeessfri " 'he end u' '"
rate, it i. the kind I ,ike, and the only kind I nt""I
to bother myself about " ^ "'"'"'
cCrh^irr'h^tdTdr "^ "'-
Kontly .arbled the chorns o'TX ri'f t'
expressed his views of Hfe better than'he ool^dTj' "
" While our rosy fillets si -d
Blushes o'er each fervid Lead,
I^'^,77'*«»P«ndmai.ya8miIo
-I lie festal moments we beguile."
" Some of my.saints here were people of nn -^
the; L^d htr trt: c "- '-'"" -"' ^-^
u Ti • • ^^"i»te, 6t. i^rancis, among them
■Ihis IS more to mv tastP Tk
^ ^'''^^- T^ose worn-out, cadav-
nr.
!t, though you are in
projects once, Char-
ented with beinjr a
3ne.'»
brought wisdom;
g myself down to
? away at it year
t so deucedly nar-
th them. Culture
by ranging over a
"> f^e handiest to
the end. At any
nly kind I intend
loothed his brow,
nd, leaning back,
ege song, as if it
a he could : —
smile
pie of one idea;
sful in a worldly
oved and canon-
d been turning
table, and, just
mong them,
v^orn-out, cadav-
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES.
■ 51
*rou^ fellows give me the blues; but here 's a .. .1
Inanly saint, who takes things easv an7^ ^
. e goes along, without howlfnV e'r his oT '"' "
tnaking other people miseraWe "^ ZZ'T'' Z
Ibeirs." And Charlie laid n l. 1 ^ "" ^^
Reside the brown-frol^lL'^"'^^"^^ ''' ^-^in
Iscetic with hia crucifix o "^ '° ">'
, « tbe knight, though she said thoughtfulh^
■ant him? ^ ^"" ^^^ «'• ^f^^in, if yo„
let me have her Sh. k°,T^ "^ «"™' '^ y^" 'U
*'il i.a, to ':;,.? goorcar' "!'' "'''"™^> ^"''
te. turninK to the .l.r . f ''">»'«=." answered Char-
I;- in itflld "''• ''"''^'^^'' "g-. ^i'h the
" With all my heart,
and
any others that you like.
52
HOSE IN BLOOM.
Choose some for your mother, and give them to her
with my love."
So Charlie sat down beside Rose to turn and talk
over the pictures for a long and j.Ieasant hour. But
when they went away to lunch, if there had been anv
one to observe so small but significant a trifle, gooi
St Francis lay face downward behind the sofa, while
gallant St. Martin stood erect upon the chimney-piece
CHAPTER III.
MJSS CAMPBELL.
^Yy rilLE the travellers unpack their trunks, we will
pick up, as briefly as possible, the dropped
stitches in the little romance we are weavincr
Rose's life had been a very busy and quiet^one for
the four year, following the May-day when she made
her choice. Study, exercise, house-work, and many
wholesome pleasures, kept her a happy, hearty creat-
ure, yearly growing in womanly graces, yet always
preserving the innocent freshness girls lose so soon
when too early sent upon the world's stage, and given
a part to play. ^ ^
Not a remarkably gifted girl in any way, and far
from perfect; full of all manner of youthful whims
^ give them to her
e to turn and talk
Icasant hour. But
here had been any
cant a trifle, good
ind the sofa, while
the chimney-piece.
MISS CAMPBELL.
LL.
}ir trunks, we will
ble, the dropped
* weaving.
id quiet one for
■ when she made
TOrk, and many
py, hearty crea^
ces, yet always
■Is lose so soon
stage, and given
y way, and far
routhful whims
S3
, to think all hves as safe and sweet as her own: and
when want or pain appealed to her, the tender heart
^ oversowed with a remo.eful charity, which^^^^
,.ts almndance recklessly. Yet, with all herl™^
,iniperfe<.ions, the npright nature of the ehih^k^ W
desires chn.bing toward the jnst and pure and trne as
flowers struggle to the light; and tie woman's s'o'
beuer «nishing o« than anj' ^tl tZTj
Vaited for so lon^ ^^ ^^Jom the lover she had
°^ «^ J«"g- Youth seemed to come back in
a n ystenous way to touch the dead face wit lo "
loveliness, and all the romance of her past Z ^
round her memory TTnUt ^ ^'^^^^^
iiemory. Unlike most aged women hp,.
friends were amnno. +1,^ . & " vvumcn, ner
When this was over, poor A„nf pi *
»st without her llfp 1 T ^"^^ '^^'"^^ ««
lot leave h?r ITu T ''''' ^^^ ^'^ ^^'^
fwed by the ;/. ^'''^^^^ ^^^^ '''' ^^^t she
|wea Dy the tender service which n-.r-^ f • -
#ords. But Aunt PI . t^ conuorts without
' Aunt Plenty, having lived for others all
iH
I I
!!
J
iw
64
i2as^ AV BLOOM.
her days, 8oon rebellecl. against this willing sacrifice
Boon found strength in her own sincere piety, solace
in cheerful occupation, and amusement in nursing
Aunt Myra, who was a capital patient, as she never
died and never got well.
So, at last, the moment came when, with free minds
the travellers could set out; and on Rose's eighteenth'
birthr ,, with Uncle Alec and the faithful Phebe, she
sailed away to see and study the big, beautiful world,
which lies ready for us all, if we only know how to
use and to enjoy it.
Phebe was set to studying music in the best schools-
and, while she trained her lovely voice with happy
industry. Rose and her uncle roamed about in the
most delightful way, till two years were gone like a
dream, and 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 been trying, to
learn how to use well. Great plans fermented in\er
brain ; for, though the heart was as generous as ever,
time had taught her prudence, and observation shown
her that the wisest charity is that which helps the poor
to help themselves.
Dr. Alec found it a little difficult to restrain the
ardor of this young philanthropist, who wanted to
begin at once to endow hospitals, build homes, adopt
children, and befriend all mankind.
" Take a little time to look about you an
«iivi gut your
m
is willing sacrifice,
ncere piety, solace
^raent in nursing
lent, as she never
1, with free minds,
Rose's eighteenth
iiithful Phebe, she
f, beautiful world,
ily know how to
the best schools ;
^oice with happy
led about in the
*vere gone like a
)r their return.
iress must make
ity-one she came
d been trying to
fermented in her
generous as ever,
'servation shown
h helps the poor
to restrain the
who wanted to
Id homes, adopt
ii aHu. get your
MISS CAMPBELL.
66
bennngs, child ; for the uorld you have been living in
18 a much simpler, honoster one than th^Tt you are now
I to enter. Test yourself a bit, and see if the oM ways
I seem best after all ; for you are old enon..h ^ . ^Mde
I and wise enough to discover, what is for° ,'our t, , pst
good, I hope," he said, trying to feel read. i. i<.t tije
bird escape from under his wing, and m. ^ c. LMle
jf flights alone.
I "Now, uncle, I 'm very much afraid y„„ are goin,.
to l,e d,,..,,,,,o,„ted in me," answered Kose, with u„!
...sual hesitation, yet a very strong desire visible in her
eyes, "lou like to have me quite honest, and I've
learned to toll yon all my foolish thoughts, so I'll
speak out, and if you find my wish very wrong and
Bdly, please say so; for I don't want you to ealt mo
off ent,rely, though I an, grown up. You say w,it
« l.t.Ie, test myself, and try if the oU ways are be
Isho,d„ke,odoth.at;a„de.a„Ii„.Ae:t:rwy
to^whde," she added, as her uncle's face grew
r He ,oas disappointed ; yet aeknowIed<r"d that the
aes.re was natural, and in a moment saw that a tria
«£ th,s sort m,ght have its advantages. Neverthele s
«.e dreaded it; for he had intended to choose W
.oetety carefully, and try to keep her unspoi ed b^
•a elt and" I " T ""'^' '""^ -""^ -■"'•■«■ ^-'d
•aren and guardian. But the spirit of Eve is stron..
b all her daughters : forbidden fruit will look rosier t:
66
ROSE IN BLOOM.
I i
11 i<
them th»„ any ,„ their own orchards, and the temptation
to take just one httle bite proves irresistible to the
wisest So Rose, looking out from the safe seclusion o
abon to take possession of, felt a sudden wish to try
"s pleasures before assuming its responsibilities, and
was too sincere to hide the lon.ri„g
" Very «,ell, my dear, try it i you like, only take
cure of your health : be temperate in your gayety and
don't lose more than you gain ; if that is possiWe " he
added under his breath, endeavoring to Tpeak I eer
fully and not look anxious.
"I know it is foolish ; but I do want to be a regular
butterfly for a little while and see what it is like. Y„„
know I couldn-t help seeing a good deal of fashionable
l.fe abroad, though we were not in it; and here at
home the girl, tell me about all sorts of plea an
things that are to happen this winter; so, if yoVwon"
despise me very much, I should like to try it "
"For how long? "
a Zr!^ '•'■•^''.•""nths be too lorj? Now Year is
a good time to take a fresh start. Every one is
going to welcome me; so I must be gay in spite of
myself, unless I'm willing to seem very unUeful and
mo..ose," said Rose, glad to have so g'ood'a LI ^
offer for her new experiment.
« You may like it so well that the three months may
become years PlPflanro ,'a , ^
young." ^'^ '"^^^^ ""'^"^ ^^^ ^'^e
md the temptation
irresistible to the
3 safe seclusion of
>m which she was
Jden wish to try
iponsibilities, and
a like, only take
your gayety, and
' is possible," he
to speak cheer-
i to be a regular
' it is like. You
d of fashionable
t; and here at
rts of pleasant
io, if you won't
iry it."
Kew Year is
Every one is
:ay in spite of
mgrateful and
'd a reason to
e months may
when we are
MISS CAMPBELL.
67
« Do you think it will intoxicate me ? "
" We shall see, my dear."
' !f '7^ ^'^'! '"'""' K°- ".arched, way; looking as
Ji she had take, a pledge of some .or, and meant to
It was a great relief to the public mind when it
became known that Miss Campbell was really coming
out at last, and invitations to Aunt Plenty's party
were promptly accepted. Aunt Clara was much dit
appomted about the grand ball she had planned Zt
E«se stood firm, and the dear old lady had her'wa'
about every thing. ^ ""^
The consequence was a delightfully informal gather.
ms of fnends to w Jcome the travellers home J„,t
a good, old-fashioned, hospitable house-w.arml. so'
.mp e, cordial, and genuine that those who cam°e to
crmc.se remamed to enjoy, and many ownertho
charm they could neither describe nor i Jtate.
JIuch curiosity was felt about Phebe, and much
gossip went on behind fans that evening; Z Those
Cll !T '"'™^'"»''J i" the handsome younl
>oman who bore herself with such quiet dignity a„I
charmed them all with her fine voice. "S'rella
ha urned out a princess." was the general verdic
^nd Kose enioved the littio ■ ^ ""^ veidict :
the hnH "fy<=<»tl"' >i«lo sensation immensely; for
»he had had many battles to fight for her Phebe
Sz::r' """"^ '''-' -' "- >'" ^'^''^- -
ROSE IN BLOOM.
Miss Campbell herself was in great demand, and
did the honors so prettily that even Miss Bliss foro-ave
her for her sad neglect of Worth; though she shook
her head over the white gowns, just alike except that
rhebe wore crimson and Rose blue trimmings.
The girls swarmed eagerly round their "recovered
friend ; for Rose had been a favorite before she went
away, and found her throne waiting for her now. The
young men privately pronounced Phebe the hand
somest, - « But^then you know there 's neither family
nor money; so it's no use." Phebe, therefore, was
admired as one of the ornamental properties belonging,
to the house, and let 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 the rooms, as if it
were a second Golden Fleece to be won with diffi-
culty; for stalwart kinsmen hedged it round, and
watchful aunts kept guard.
Little wonder that the girl found her new world
an enchanting one, and that her first sip of pleasure
rather went to her head ; ^ ,. everybody welcomed and
smiled on her, flattered and praised, whispered agree-
able prophecies in her ear, and looked the complinrents
and congratulations they dared not, utter, till she felt
as If she must have left her old self somewhere abroad,
and^suddenly become a new and wonderfully gifted
"It is very nice, uncle; and I'm not .ure that I
!at demand, and
liss Bliss forgave
though she shook
like except that
nimings.
their recovered
before she wont
r her now. The
liebe the hand-
s neither family
, therefore, was
erties belonjrino^
i these amiable
il eye followed
rooms, as if it
won with diffi-
it round, and
ler new world
iip of pleasure
welcomed and
lispered agree-
e compliments
r, till she felt
where abroad,
erfully gifted
t bure that I
M2SS CAMPBELL. 59
mayn't want another three months of it when the first
are gone," she whispered to Dr. Alec, as he stood
watchmg the dance she was leading with 0,1'
the long hall after supper.
" Steady, my lass, steady; and remember that you
re not really a butterfly, but a mortal girl with a
bead that will ache to-morrow," he answered, w^ h n^
the flushed and smiling face before hiiq "
--:'::;: :"/;:: r2:"i -rrT "'
P .ne. as she gathered „p her fleec, skins iTke a
w liite b.i-d pluming itself for flight. '
" I '" "sk your opinion about U.at at two 4.m," be^an
hor uncle, with a warning nod ' ^
c.t7M:e'':h:r''^''"^^^'"'°»"'''p-->«-^
"It's no use, Alec: train a girl as wisely as vou
c oose she will break loose when the tin,e coLt IZ
ifor "ti! th' ■""" " """"'^ "^ '"« "-' «vo lou" ;
Po, t.s their nature to,"' said Uncle Mac keeoinJ
^"..e to the ,„usic as if he would not rnind ZiZZ'
or a bit of pleasure himself. ^ '
"My girl shall taste and try; but, unless I'm much
L:T^, ^ .'' '''=° "> ■<"«* it." ™3wered the dctor
,..„^a l.ope.„, smile o„ his lips, but an anxious look in
11
LliI
60
ROSE IN BLOOM.
"She will come out all right, — bless her heart ! so
let her sow her innocent wild oats and enjoy herself till
she is ready to settle do /n. I wish all our young folks
v/ere likely to have as small a crop, and get through
as safely as she will," , Jded Uncle Mac, with a shake
of the head, as he glanced at some of the young men
revolving before him.
"Nothing amiss with your lads, I hope?"
"No, thank heaven ! So far 1 've had little trouble
with -^ither; though Mac is an odd stick, and Steve a
puppy. I don't complain ; for both will outgrow that
sort of thing, and are good fellows at heart, thanks to
their mother. But Clara's boy is in a bad way ; and
she will spoil him as a 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 head, and so she insisted
on keeping Charlie a year longer when his father ordered
him oa to India," replied the doctor, as they walked
away.
"It is too late to 'order:' Charlie is a man now,
and Stephen will find that he has been too easy with
him all these years. Poor fellow, it has been hard
lines for him, and is likely to be harder, I fancy, unless
he comes home and straightens things out."
"He won't do that if he can helplt ; for he has lost
all his energy liv.ng in that climate, and hates worry
more than ever: so you can imagine what an effort it
would be to manage a foolish woman and'a headstrono-
to
1 %i
^^SS CAMPBELL.
IS her he«art ! so
enjoy herself till
our young folks
tnd get through
c, with a shake
the young men
pe?"
i little trouble
!k, and Steve a
1 outgrow that
eart, thanks to
bad way ; and
3 a boy, if his
I when I was in
>oy; but Clara
so she insisted
father ordered
8 they walked
s a man now,
too easy with
las been hard
[ fancy, unless
t."
■or he has lost
i hates worry
t an effort it
a headstrong
61
boy. We must lend a hand Mno n ^ j
poor old Steve." ' '""^ ^^ ^'^^ ^e«t for
" The best we can do for tho ua • .
settle him „. soon a, poj^ f" '"' '^ '» '^"y -d
be;?t^"::^'';r;r''-^-^--^."
« A ^ ^"^er, even at twenty-three."
I kiiully returning ♦„ ' "PP™^"' ■" hw voice. Then.
inquiring ";f;; '': 'r""' '•^"p'"' ""^ -»' ««
.:,: certain ^aUe.Uan;;;..™''''^ '" ^'""'^ ™- "* »
"Decidedly not. My girl m„,t have t be,, .,
tiara's tra nino- wnniri -i "*^^*' ^"^
Alec, quickly.^ ' " '"^'^'" ^"^^^^^ ^'•.
" ^«t we shall find it hard to let our littl. p
out of thefamiJi. tt "*^^ ^^se go
been^el bin™?:""? """"'' ""' "" >■!»
^^ The brot;™fS::;:t:j::'x°"f ^«^"-t..d...
H ~o-= yet B^liteT^, ?:■'-'--
#> »y man whom I did not klTi^"" '""' "P
It k of no ,,,e fn,. . r "^ *"'• t™^' entirelv.
f '''°"'^'»P''"'if'>'-»he must choose f^;
62
ROSE IN BLOOM,
l! \l
herself : yet I do wish we could keep her among us,
and give one of our boys a wife worth h-nhio-."
"We must; so nevermind your theories, but devote
yourself to testing our elder lads, and making one A
them a h:.]>py fellow. All'are heart-whole, I believe,
and, thoi gii young still for this sort of thing, we caa
be gently shaping matters ior them, ince no one knows
how soon the moment loay come. My faith ! it is like
living in a powder-mili ./j be among a lot of young
folks now-a-days. x\ll looks as calm as possible, till a
sudden spark produces iin explosion, and heaven only
knows where we find ourselves after it is over."
And Uncle Mac sat himself comfortably down to
seiile Rose's fate ; while the doctor paced the room,
pluckmg at his beard and knitting his brows, as if he
found it hard to see his way.
« Yes, Archie is a good fellow," he said, answering
the question he had ignored before. "An upright,
Kteady, intelligent lad, who will make an excellent
husband, if he ever finds out that he has a heart. I
suppose I 'm an old fool, but I do like a little more
romance in a young man than he seems to have ; more
warmth and enthusiasm, you know. Bless the boy!
he might be forty instead of three or four and twenty:
he 's so sober, calm, and cool. I 'm younger now than
he is, and could go a-wooing like a Romeo if I had any
heart to offer a woman."
The doctor looked rather cuamefaced as he spol j.
and his brother burst out laughing, —
I her among us,
•rth hnvinor."
)ries, but devote
I making one of
r^hole, I believe,
f thing, we can
;e no one knows
faith ! it is like
a lot of young
1 possible, till a
id heaven only
is over."
•tably down to
aced the room,
brows, as if he
said, answering
"An upright,
e an excellent
las a heart. I
3 a little more
to have ; more
31es8 the boy I
ir and twenty:
nger now than
eo if I had any
i as he spol ?.
MISS CAMPBELL. 53
« See here, Alec, it 's a pity so much romance and
^excellence as yours should be lost ; so why don't vou
.^tth^. young fellows an example, and go a-woJng
yourself Jessie has been wondering how you have
-|HMgod to keep from failing i„ love with Phebo
Mih^s time; and Clara is quite sure that you only
lilted m she was safe under Aunt Plenty's wing to
Offer yourself m the good old-fashioned style "
"I!" and the doctor stood aghast at the mere idea-
then he gave a resigned sort of sigh and added like a
martyr «If those dear women would let me alone, I'd
hank them for ever. Put the idea out of their m nds
for heaven's sake, Mac, or I shall be having that poor
g^rl mmg at my head, and her comfort destroyed Zl
^ a fine creature, and I'm proud of her; but s e
|e.rves a better lot than to be tied to an ^Id f^lw
ike me, whose only merit is his fidelity »
1 "As you please, I was only joking," and Uncle Mac
aropped the subject with secret relief ; for the excel
fcnt man thought a good deal of famii;, andtad b 1"
.^ther worned at the hints of the ladies. After"
foment^, sdence, he returned to a former topic, wLh
fas rathe, a pet plan of his. «I don't 'hi k you
#0 Archie justice, Alec. You don't know him as
ire 1 a« I do; but you '11 find that he has heart e :ugb
^der his cool, cjuiet manner. I Ve grown v^
>u ould do better for Rose thr . to give her tc
I <M
In i
64
iJOS-E IN BLOOM.
"If she will go," said the doctor, smiling at his
brother's business-like way of disposing of the young
people.
" She '11 do any thing to please you," began Uncle
Mac, in perfect good faith; for twenty-five years in
the society of a very prosaic wife had taken nearly all
the romance out of him.
" It is of no use for us to plan, and I shall never
interfere except to advise ; but, if I were to choose one
of the boys, I should incline to my godson," answered
the doctor, gravely.
"What, my Ugly Duckling!" exclaimed Uncle
Mac, in great surprise.
"The Ugly Duckling turned out a swan, you re-
member. I 've always been fond of the boy, because
he 's so genuine and original. Crude as a green apple
now, but sound at the core, and only needs time to
ripen. I 'm sure he '11 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 mate for our Rose.
She needs some one who can manage her property
when we are gone ; and Archie is the man for that,
depend upon it."
" Confound the property ! " cried Dr. Alec, impetu-
ously. "I want her to be happy; and I don't care
how soon she gets rid of her money if it is going to
be a millstone round her neck. I declam to vn,i T
r, smiling at his
ng of the young
•u," began Uncle
nty-five years in
1 taken nearly all
nd I shall never
ere to choose one
>d8on," answered
xclaimed Uncle
a swan, you re-
the boy, because
as a green apple
y needs time to
ital specimen of
never do at all.
hing to be proud
e for our Rose.
je her property
le man for that,
•r. Alec, impetu-
md I don't care
f it is going to
^.c\a.rp. tn vnii T
I MISS CAMPBELL. 65
dreaded the thought of this time so „„,ch that I 've
kept her away as long as I eould, and trembled when-
ever a young fellow joined us while we were abroad.
Hud one or two narrow escapes, and now I 'm in for
«, •■-« you ean see by to-uight's .success,' as Clara calls'
"Come, eome, don't be anxious; take Archie and
.ettle .t right „p safely and happily. That 's ml ad-
t.ce, and you -11 find it sound," replied the elder eon-
•p.rator, hke oue having experience.
tt to the ststers. We are a couple of old fools to be
»a.c „,akmg,osoon; but I see what is before me
.nd ,t s a comfort to free my mind to some one." '
So ,t ,s. Depend on me ; not a breath even to
inne," answered Uncle Mae, with a hearty shake and
» sympathetic sl.ap on the shoulder
" Why, wh.,t dark and awfnl secrets are going on
kere ? Is ,t a Freemasons' Lod<ve nud ,f T
mvstic si(rn<, » " „ I 1 J^oage, and those the
m}.st,e s,gns? asked a gay voice at the door- and
ftore stood Rose, full of smiling wonder at the 'silt
• h- two uncles hand in h,and, whispering and nod
fng to one another mysteriously
».ef, and looked so guilty that sh. , ,ok „itv on ,1.7
ITh2 7r' "'^' ''- "-..ers w':r:i::s
,f» a nttle sentiment on this invf.ii ^ • ^
luis joytul occasion- so ghe
6
66
ROSE TN BLOOM.
I
added quickly, as she beckoned, without crossing the
threshold, —
" Women not allowed, of course : hut both of you
dear Odd Fellows are wanted ; for Aunt Plenty begs
we will have an old-fashioned contra dance, and I 'ni
to lead off Avith 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 sliy you know, but will enjoy it with you
to take care of her."
"Thank you, thank you!" cried both gentlemen, fol-
lowing with great alacrity.
Unconscious Rose enjoyed that Vii-ginia reel im-
mensely; for the pigeon-wings were superb, and her
partner conducted her through the convolutions -••
the dance without a fault, going down the middle in
his most gallant style. Landing safely at the bottom,
she stood aside to let hin. get I 's brea , ; for stout
Uncle Mac was bound to do or die on that occasion,
and would have danced his r,ui.:ps through without '
murmur if she had desired it.
Leaning against the wall with his hair i- ais eyes,
and a decidedly bored expression of . uiten mce, was
Mao, Jr., who had been surveying ti gy 'lastics of
his parent with r< spectful astoiiishmen,
" ConM: and take a turn, my lad. Rose is as fresh
as a daisy ; but we old fellows soon get enough of it,
so you shall have my place," said his father, wiping
his face, which glowed like a cheerful peony.
hout crossing the
: \>nt botl) of you
Aunt Plenty begs
;i (Innco, and I 'ni
! you, sir, because
d nil. So, please
ioxi, Uncle Alec,
enjoy it with you
<h gentlemen, fol-
^irginia reel im-
superb, and her
convolutions ot"
'II the middle in
y at the bottom,
)rea ,. ; for stout
m that occasion,
irougli Avithout :
MISS CAMPBELL.
67
hair r
iiis eyes,
inten mce, was
gy lastics of
t
Rose is as fresh
3t enough of it,
s father, wiping
peony.
"No, thank you, sir: I can't stand that sort of
-,thnig. I '11 race you round the piazza with pleasure
cousm; but this oven is too much for me," was Mac's'
■^uncivil reply, as he backed toward the open window,
fas if glad of an excuse to escape.
"Fragile creature, don't stay on my account, I beg.
■^oan t leave my gnosts for a moonlight run, even if I
. .4ared to take it on a frosty night in a thin dress," said
Kose, fanning herself, and not a bit ruffled by M-ic's
Refusal ; for she knew his ways, and they amused her
Not half so .ad as all this dust, gas, heat, and
|o.se. What do : . suppose lungs are made of?"
f enu^nded Mac, ready f .r a discussion then and there
^ I used to know, ut I 've forgotten now. Been
10 buy with other things .t I've neglected the
kobbies I used to ride five or six v^ars lo-o " .h. '.i
^uo-hino-. ^'x > ears ago, she said,
;'Ah, those were times worth having! Are you
going in for much of this sort of thing, Rose? ''he
ftsked with a disapproving glance at the dancers.
About three months of it, I think "
•■Ros^my dear, you really must take that fellow
m hand before he ge,., to be ,,„ito a bear. Since yol
^a- beeu gone, he has lived i„ his books, and got on
* finely that we have let him alone, ti.ough Z
I t«. groans over his manners. Polish him up a
^.t, 1 beg of you; for it is high time he mended his
68
ROSE IN BLOOM.
odd ways, and did justice to tlie fine gifts he hides
beliind them," said Uncle Mac, scandalized at the
bluntness of his son.
"I know my rhestnut-bnrr too well to mind his
prickles. But others do not ; so I will tike him in
hand and make him a credit to the family," answered
Rose, readily.
" Take Archie for your model : he 's one of a thou-
sand ; and the girl who gets him gets a prize I do
assure you," added Uncle Mac, who found match-
making 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 last carriage rolled away, somewhere
between one and two.
"What is your opinion now, Miss Campbell?"
asked the doctor, addressing her for the first time by
the name which had been uttered so often that night.
" My opinion is that Miss Campbell is likely to have
a gay life if she goes 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 of what the
world calls pleasure.
fine gifts he hides
candalized at the
«^ell to mind his
\cill t ike him in
family," answered
's one of a thou-
^ets a prize I do
lio found match-
it closing remark
i Rose, dropping
away, somewhere
[iss Campbell ? "
the first time by
jften that night,
is likely to have
begun ; and that
nswered the girl,
taste of what the
THORNS AMONG THE ROSES. 69
CIIArTEE IV.
THORNS AMONG THE ROSES.
OR a time every thing went smoothly, and Rose
,, was a happy gi.-l ; for the world seemed a beautiful
.*nd friendly place, and the fulfilment of her brightest
dreams appeared to be a possibility. Of course, this
could not last, and disappointment was inevitable-
because yoimg eyes look for a Paradise, and weep'
^hen they find a work-a-day world, which seems fuU
care and trouble, till one learns to gladden and
glorify It with high thoughts and holy llvinc
^ Those who loved her waited anxiously for°the dis-
aiuMon which must come in spite of all their cherish-
fcg, ior, till now. Rose had been so busy with her
^acbes travels, and home duties, that she knew very
^ble hfe. Birth and fortune placed her where she
ould not well escape some of them ; and Doctor 1^
. inowing t at experience is the best teacher, wTsely
left her to learn this lesson as she must many Inotner
devoutly hopmg that it would not be a hard one
October and November passed rapidly; and Christ-
Sr '' 'r'""'-^" ''- --^ Stories, horned
tatherrngs, and good wishes.
I Rose sat in her own little sanctum, nnpnir^^ro^ ^h.
rior, busily p.eparing gifts... the ai;r:C:^
70
ROSE m BLOOM.
I<B
friend, who seemed to grow fonder and fonder as the
hohdays drew near. The drawers of her c „ Id!
stood open, giving g.hnp^es of dainty trifles wh 1 h
was ty.ng „p with bright ribbons. '
A young girf's faee at such moments is apt to be a
happy one ; but Rose's was very g.ave as sl^ ^Ik d
and now and then she threw a parcel into the draw^
ctus r' " *r " " "° '°™ ■"-'^ ">^ g» P -e
^ou^ So unusual was this expression that it struck
t?hit el" ; "'™ '"• ""' '"■°"S>" - --i"- ' ot
it/::'s^d:7r;L°-------
+1, X 1 , •'^ J,iove r he asked, cominff nn ir.
the table strewn with i-ihhnn io„ -. . ^ ^
"Yes unol. o ^^^"' ^^'^""'^"^^ colored papers.
„, '' "ncle, as many as you please."
The face brightened with sudden sunshine • both
hands were nnf nnf +^ • , ''"lut, , ootn
glove- and r ™'™ "'" '*'''*"'y ''riving-
My Lady Bountiful is hard at work, I see Can I
heJp.n»yway.M. asked, glancing;, the- dS:;
for those yon love, and who love you V she adlT '
-;w,.., had a slight tremor i^it as st:2;::
iicler as the
I' commode
, which she
pt to be a
fie worked,
he drawer
le gift pre-
b it struck
sious look
untenance
i work to
'ing up to
'd papers.
fie; both
driving.
ectionate
^eet.
. Can I
display
s full of
d to be.
, except
•ed, in a
red the
riWSArs AMONG THE ROSES. 71
'pretties 'are for dear fnon^ ^'"'''^
many." V '"'''^'^ -^^^ «^"«t ha^■e a great
"■f thought they were friends • bnf Tf i
them. c not. d that, thjti
^o" 1. V ''^''"^ '^' ^^^'^^•' --^ ^^'t the old o.,ove
&o» he said, sitting donm beside her with W
«ympat]ietic air. ^^' ^"' "^^«*
But she held the glove fast, saying en.vorlv " Xr.
I love to do thisf r r^r. u I , ^'^a^^^^' 'iVo,no,
you While I te ,;,t Vw. ■" " ' "°'"" '""'^ ^'
-•en 'a cloud' If , , ' ": ' *"'' ^T"'''''"- '■■'"■'>' I 'vo
tone i„ h«- voice Is' : '",' "'" ""«'" » «-™«l
'-'»M.o.i.e;;:K/;o::::;KrT..'™'^^"'''^-'''^
mo n sweet, „.. „ss,„.e ,„e .hat I shall be t e b'L
fo. t, as you used to do whea I took ,„edici„e "
----..o;!;;;:-:f-t;--:-^^
e a .t fo,. ,„e, but fo- what 1 can ,ivc then, fa
alos ,ae unhappy, because I was so glad and
l-'l
car
that
i
72
i
nOSE IN BLOOM.
proud to be liked. I do wish I hadn't a penny in the
world, then I sliould knoAv who my true friends were."
" Poor little lass ! she has found out that all that
glitters is not gold, and the dis-illusion has begun,"
said the doctor to himself, adding' aloud, smiling yet
pitiful, "And so all the pleasure is gone out of the
pretty gifts, and Christmas is a failure ? "
" Oh, no ! not for those whom nothing can make me
doubt. It is sweeter than ever to make these things,
because my heart is in every stitch ; and I know that,
poor as they are, they will be dear to jou, Aunty Plen,
Aunt Jessie, Phebe, and the boys."
She opened a drawer where lay a pile of pretty gifts,
wrought with loving care by her own hands ; touching
them tenderly as she spoke, and patting the sailor's
knot of blue ribbon on one fat parcel with a smile
that told how unshakable her faith in some one was.
"But these,''^ she said, pulling open another drawer,
and tossing over its gay contents with an air half sad,
half scornful, " these I bouffht and give because they
are expected. 2Viese people only care for a rich gift,
not one bit for the giver, whom they will secretly
abuse if she is not as generous as they expect. How
ccm I enjoy that sort of thing, uncle ?"
"You cannot; but perhaps you do some of them
injustice, my dear. Don't let the envy or selfishness
of a few poison your faith in all. Are you sure that
noii3 of these girls care for you ? " he asked, reading a
name here and there on the parcels scattered about.
•mmmmmtitKMmumtmimmtllUlM
THORNS AMONG THE ROSES.
73
ny in the
els were."
all that
I begun,"
iling yet
Lt of the
make me
e things,
low that,
ity Plen,
tty gifts,
touching
! sailor's
a smile
one was.
drawer,
lalf sad,
ise they
ich gift,
secretly
'. How
)f them
llishness
ire that
;ading a
bout.
" I 'm afraid I am. You see I heard severnl talking
together the other evening at Annabel's, only a few
words, but it hurt me very much ; for nearly every
one was speculating on what I would give them, and
hoping it would be something fine. ' She 's so rich she
ought to be generous,' said one. ' I 've been perfectly
devoted to her for weeks, and hope she won't forget
it,' said another. ' If she doesn't give me some of her
gloves, I 3hall think she 's very mean ; for she has
heaps, and I tried on a pair in fun so she could see
they fitted and taj^e a hint,' added a third. I did take
the hint, you see ; " and liose opened a handsome box
in which lay several pairs of her best gloves, with but-
tons enough to satisfy the heart of the most covetous.
« Plenty of silver paper and perfume, but not much
love went into that bundle, I fancy?" and Dr. Alec
could not help smiling at the disdainful little gesture
with which Rose pushed away the box.
" Not a particle, nor in most of these. I have given
them what they wanted, and taken back the confidence
and respect they didn't care for. It is wrongs I know ;
but I can't bear to think all the seeming good-will and
friendliness I 've been enjoying was insincere and for
a purpose. That 's not the way jT treat people."
« I am sure of it. T- j things for what they are
worth, dear, and try to find the wheat among the
tares ; for there is plenty if one knows how to look.
Is that all the trouble ? "
" No, sir, that is the lightest part of it. I shall soon
74
h'i
!>
J.1
ROSE IN BLOOM.
get ever my disappointment in these girls, and take
them for what they are worth as you advise; but
bemg deceived in them makes me suspicious of others
and that is liateful. If I cannot trust people, I 'd
rather keep by myself and be happy. I do detest
manoeuvring and underhand plots and plans!"
Rose spoke petulantly, and twitched her silk till it
broke; while regret seemed to give place to an-er as
she spoke. - ^
" There is evidently another thorn pricking. Let us
have it out, and then 'I'll kiss thej^lace to make it
well,' as I used to do when I tookThe splinters from •
the fingers you are pricking so unmercifully," said the
doctor, anxious to relieve his pet patient as soon as
possible.
Rose laughed, but the color deepened in her cheeks
as she answered with a pretty mixtui-e of maidenly
shyness and natural candor.
" Aunt Clara worries me by warning me against half
tlie young men I meet, and insisting that they only
want my money, l^ow that is dreadful, and I won't
hsten : but I can't help thinking of it scmietimes ; for
they are very kind to me, and I 'm not vain enough to
think It is my beauty. I suppose I am foolish, but I
do like to feel that I am something beside an heiress "
The little quiver was in Rose's voice again a. she
ended ; and Dr. Alec gave a quick sigh as he looked
at the downcast face so full of the perplexity ino-enu-
ous spirits feel when doi ' " "
doubt first mars their faith.
uuu
I, and take
Ivise ; but
5 of others,
eoplc, I'd
do detest
IS!
t"
silk till it
o anger as
?. Let ns
3 make it
iters from
" said the
3 soon as
>r cheeks,
maidenly
ainst half
hey only
I won't
nies; for
nough to
sh, but I
heiress."
ti as she
' looked
ingenu-
litli. uiiu
I
I
THORNS AMONG THE ROSES. 75
dims the innocent beliefs still left from childhood. He
had been expecting this, and knew that what the girl
just began to perceive and try modestly to tell, had
long ago been plain to worldlier eyes. The heiress
was the attraction to most of the young men whom
she met. Good fellows enough, but educated, as nearly
all are now-a-days, to believe that girls with beauty or
money are brought to market to sell or buy as 'the
case may be.
Kose could purchase any thing she liked, as she
combmed both a^antages ; and was soon surrounded
by many admirers, each striving to secure the prize.
Not bemg trained to believe that the only end and
aim of a woman's life was a good match, she was a
little disturbed, when the first pleasing excitement was
. over, to discover that her fortune was her chief attrac-
tion.
I* was impossible for her to help seeing, hearing
guessing this from a significant glance, a stray word, a
slight hint here and there ; and the quick instinct of a
woman felt even before it understood the self-interest
which chilled for her so many opening friendshii>s. In
her eyes love was a very sacred thing, hardlv to be
thought of till it came, reverently n-ceived, and cher-
ished faithfully to the end. Thevefov. it is not
strange that she shrunk from hear;.^ it flippantly
discussed, and marriage treated as a bargain to be
haggled over, with little thought of it. Inlgh duties
great responsibilities, and tender joys. M:my thin-s
76
ROSE IX BLOOM.
perplexed her, and sometimes a donbt
»o«, she had believed and trusted made
of all that till
at sea without a co„,pas; ."for",!, '"""^ '""' ^'"' "^ "
;n.i.e the one si. W^n'ii .Ttl:: -,7 T
dered wiuk it cha™,ed the novice """'■
.oomuehworiXwtlom ™ '"'"°'" ^"^"""'"S b.
" You are something- besirlpc o« i. •
know and love you • To ta^e 1 f '"'"'' '° *'°''' ^''''°
f-t to the faith that' i i, ^ "T, ' '"^ =""■'' -"^ ""'-l
^or a„ these «.ingC.nd ,r;eve?ir„:tT T"^
donbt and avoid. Test ^^A t ' "^ true
they come alon.- and I 1 '^ """' ""'' "■°"'^» '''^
and experienc wiiUee, "7" ^™^^'--' '-«-t,
he said, with a Jo ec, ""^ ""^ "'^'"ke,"
<ookth;twts;~;°;i:r^°'''''--^--«-»'
After a moment's pause she answered whi.„
den smile dimpled round her mouth a, d I f
went up to half hide her tell-tale IheeTs - ' '""''
Uncle, if I must have lover, i .^i '■ ,
more interesting. Ho v en I 1 "'''' ''"'' '" ''«
go on as sonie of them do -Id ,°'' ''•'"'"* ""'" ^l""
-«fee. honored bX offe" 0/^" """S'"-™-»
are out of fashion, sothbvdtX '""'•''■■""'«? ''-■'"«
"Ah, ha! that'is thr'troThlT TtT t " t" '''
to have delicate distresses ,1^ Zv' ^ ^ 'if"
glad to see her brightenin.. and f„n f '^''"''
lew topic • for l„. r "' '°'^''^'*' in the
lopic toi he m„ a remautio old fellow « -
fessed to his brother '"'ow, asuuoou-
oi all that till
her feel as if
woi-ld was so
that it bewil-
fch he found
addeiiing by
to those who
ii'I, and hold
I touchstone
ot ring true
:1 women as
'('e, instinct,
B mistake,"
td a trustful
hile a sud-
3 big glove
they'd be
; men who
ne women
s? hearts
ut them."
we begin
Dr. Alec,
'St in the
is he COU-
THORNS AMONG THE EOSES. 77
Rose put down the glove, and looked up with a
droll mixture of amusement and disgust in her face.
Uncle, It IS perfectly disgraceful! I've wanted to
tell you, but I was ashamed, because I never could
boast of such things as some girls do; and they were
BO absurd I couldn't feel as if they were worth repeat-
mg even to you. Perhaps I ought, though; for you
may think proper to command me to make a j^ood
match, and of course 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 the best advice, like a model
guardian? You must have a confidant, and where
find a better one than here?" he asked, tapping his
waistcoat with an inviting gesture.
" Nowhere : so I '11 tell all but the names. I 'd best
be prudent ; for I 'm afraid you may get a little fierce :
you do sometimes when people vex me," began Rose
rather liking the prospect of a confidential chat with
uncle ; for he had kept himself a good deal in the back-
ground lately.
"You know our ideas are old-fashioned; so I was
not prepared to have men propose at all times and
places with no warning but a few smiles and soft
speeches. I expected things of that sort would be
very interesting and proper, not to say thrilling, on
my part : but they are not ; and I find myself laughing
instead of crvinsr, feelino- npr.r.r ;».f.„^ ..f _,, f ,
forgetting all about it very. soon. Why, uncle, one
78
HOSE IN BLOOM.
absurd boy proposed when
we'donlymethalfadozen
' accounted
'se dusted
ingers, as if she
times.
for it perhaps," a
bad soiled them.
o/;s:::i::L':::r^-^^^ '■''"'---'■- '-0 need
"J^O, do! Avhoelse? I wnn'f .
'' WpI] o .1 *"- • -t won t even guess."
f""r> with a gvont cactu ,i ,,:.,'" 'T"™ """■
«■'"'- Kitty £„,„,, „„, ', :t" :, ■■ f °°'- '^»- ■^" "-^
. to keep sober; so he has h !l "ni'ossiWe
rri , *■ "•"''"1 rae ever siiioe "
The doctor's "Ilai ),o i"
Rose joined hi,,,, fori, .'™ S°°'' '° '"=•■>■•' "nd
episodes se,.i„„ ;,t^^. :: 2:-^"'^ «° -=-«. these
the,„ from abs«,,ii;y. " ''""""''" ''"'eemed
on'lfr^TieXrtT;:""; °' "^^^--^ --
so don't expeet to see ,i , '"' "" *'"> ^■"'■^es =
-Hn, hi„.ie,ri ;::: ^ -^ i-:;' "- ^^"-^. ^^ -„.
«'- one «.h„ would n.aJl.e t.jr' f .="' -^
oni-posingi„,he„idd,e ri l''1r
no.;^rIf„,,„,,,„,,,^,^_JJ™-..ndthe.
'at I deserved
fc Jialf .1 dozen
liat accounted
ers, as if she
it," observed
I'e 's no need
s."
lees in Mrs.
assion man-
^egs all the
impossible
36."
Jiear, and
gard these
redeemed
and went
;1 red hair
be verses :
>w, is con-
•f all was
t insisted
I seldom
but that
'or beinar
"1 them
TIIOnNH AMONG TUB HOSES. 79
as I/' ""r- ""/" •'''"' '""■ """0- '-ting "florco"
to hston to a tledanfinn t,„; 1- , =.'" "oiigocl
a lover. "'"•"'"t'°". t«'u-hng about on the arm of
-i".«>.t..orgHe™afo:hi:„A; s^^^^
the tonderest respect."
a m ;,tt "; " '""^' " '' "■™"">ta.% sahuing
"Bo you want another three month., of this?"
1 11 tell yon on x\e<v Year's day, uncle."
Very well: try to keep a straight course mv
o:;o::cl:::!"" -■--'--
"^y, ay, sir; I '11 remember."
icaurvea
•
I
1
I
111
(
^^ BOSE IN BLOOM.
CHAPTER V.
PRINCE CHARMING.
'piIE old glove lay upon tlie floor forgotten, while
Rose sat musing, till a quick step sounded in the
nail, and a voice drew near tunefully humming.
" As ho was walkin' floun the street
The city for to view,
Oh, there he spied a bonny lass.
The window lookin' through."
" Sae licht he jumped xin {he stair,
And tided at the p;n :
Oh, wha sae ready tj«, J serf el'
To let the laddie iit » "
sung Rose, as the voice paused and a tap came at the
door.
• " Good morning, Rosamunda ; here are your letters
and your most devoted ready to execute any commis'
«ons you may have for him," was Charlie's greeting
as he came in looking comely, gay, and debonair Is
usual.
"Thanks: I've no errands unless you mail my
rephes,^ if these need answering; so by your leave,
i-nnce, and Rose began to open the handful of notes
he threw into her lap.
" H;^ ! what sight is this to blast mine eyes f " ejacu-
lated Charl.e, as he pointed to the glove with a molo.
:ottt'i!, while
mckd in the
aing.
arae at the
Dur letters,
ly comrais-
s greeting,
ubonair as
mail ray
)ur leave,
of notes
? " ejacu-
h a melo-
PRINCE CHARMING. gj
dramatic start ; for, like most accoraplished amateur
nito his daily walk and conversation."
" Uncle left it."
herJtr"- r"'°"°'" ''''"'■■^™'-' " "™' ''»d been
Here and, p.ck.ng ,t up, Cl,,,.|ie amused liimself with
me„ted the ,„,„ule.,„eee, h„,„„,i„jj, „, ,,, ^^^
other verse of the old song, _ '
"He set bis Jenny on Lis knee,
All in Lis Ilii-LIand dress •'
For brawly well Le kenned tLe way
To please a bonny lass."
Rose went on reading her lotte,., but all the while
was th.„k,ng of her conversation with her uncle and
-othn,g else, suggested b, the newcomer atj ht
During the three months since her return, she had
«ee„ more of this cousin than any of the otL rs • for
beseemed to be the onlyonewhoLlleisuret:;,;
w.th Rose," as they used to say years ago. The other
boys were all at work, even little Jamie.lany of wh e
^ hours were devoted to manful struggles ^
P n s'tin ;r "•"^^"■'"- -»-; and Auu!
Th " I f , "^ ^"P^rinteuded her housekeeping.
l^Zt h •""'; ,"""' ""'"""^' t"^' Charlie should
form the habit of lon.w,i„^ :„ „. ,. ,
lountr
gmg in at all hours with letten
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
V
/,
<^
<5^4',
fA
f/j
I
ft
f5.
<^
/a
M. ^ '^ / /
VM.
1.0
I.I
144
1^
•^ 1^ ilZ2
2.0
1.
1^
L25 i 1.4
Photogmphic
Sciences
Corporation
18
1.6
6"
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
&?^
U.A
f/-
82
ROSE IN BLOOU.
messages bits of news, and agreeable ,,la„s for Rose.
He helped her with her sketching, rode with her
™ng with her, and took her to parties, as a matter of'
course , for Aunt Cl.ra, being the gayest of the sisters,
played cuaperon on all occasions.
For a time it was very pleasant ; but, by and by, Uo.,e
began to wish Ch.arlie would find something to do like
the rest and not make dawdling after her the business
h,s life The family were used to his self-indulgent
ways : and there was an amiable delusion in the minds
o. the boys that he had a right to the best of every
thing; for to them he was still the Prince, the flower
of the flock, and in tinre to be an honor to tlie name
No one exactly knew how : for, though full of talent,'
he seemed to have no especial gift or bias; and the
elders oegan to shake their heads, because, in spite of
many g..and promises and projects, the moment for
aecisive action never came.
Rose saw all this, and longed to inspire her brilliant
eousm w«h some manful purpose, which should win
for him respect as well as admiration. But she found
.t very hard : for, though he listened with impertur.
bable good humor, and owned his shortcomings with
dehghtful frankness, he always h.ad some argumli
reason, or excuse to offer, and out-talked her in five
mmutes ; leaving her silenced, but unconvinced.
Of late she had observed that he seemed to feel as
.( her tune and thoughts belonged exclusively to him
and rather resented the approach of any other chaiman.'
".ga&aBt.j«gg;j
PRINCE CHARUma. 83
This annoyed her, and s„ggostod the iJea that h-r
affec .onate .nterest and effort, we., n,isnn,„ ,.„t
A^nt S '""T"™*"' """ '*^'' ""^^'-f'SO "f 1 y
. h ri: " """ ".":" ™"^' '"■«^-" '""' ^'' «"»»"•
ond mother resented all other interferenee This
t-bled Rose, and ma.le her foel as if caught „ «
"■■are; for, while she owned to herself that cl i!
oady to uo taken possession of in this n.astertui way
specally smoe other and sometimes better men soZ'
her favor more humbly. "oiigiit
aslllrread'b"": ""■" "-""S ™g-'y m her mind
h r i . , : 'T:' ^"' "-"--onsly i„fl„„„eea
^ei in the chat that followed
no7o"rV",";r"'"' "" ' "'"'' ^'"P '" =>"«--■ "><>•»
-eiuining to her work.
"I>et nte hcl,,. You do u,,, and I'll direct. Have
a secretary; do no., and see what a co.nfort it 111
be," proposed Charlie, who could turn his hand to I
" I 'd r.,ther finish this myself, but yon may answer
he notes, f you will. Just regrets to all but two or
;trwhict"' '"^ " --.0...0 along, and nite";
■ •iin- s.a aox\n at the writing
!!
'if
84
ROSE IN BLOOM.
table with alacrity ; for these hours in the little room
were his best and liappiest.
" Oi-der is heaven's first law, and the view a lovely
one, but I don't see any note-paper," he added, open-
ing the desk and surveying its contents with interest.
"Right-hand drawer: violet monogram for the
notes; plain paper for the business letter. I'll see
to that, though," answered Rose, trying to decide
whether Annabel or Eumia should have the laced
handkerchief.
" Confiding creature ! Suppose I open the wrong
drawer, and come upon the tender secrets of your
soul?" continued the new secretary, rummaging out
the delicate note-paper with masculine disregard of
order.
" I haven't got any," answered Rose, demurely.
"What, not one despairing scrawl, one cherished
miniature, one faded floweret, etc., etc. ? I can't be-
lieve it, cousin," and he shook his head incredulously.
" ;^f I had, I certainly should not show them to you,
impertinent person ! There are a few little souvenirs
in that desk, but nothing very sentimental or interest-
ing."
"How I'd like to see 'em! But I should never
dare to ask," observed Charlie, peering over the top of
the half-open lid with a most persuasive pair of eyes.
"You m^y if you want to, but you'll be disap-
pointed, Paul Pry. Lower left-hand drawer with the
kev in it."
PRINCE CHARMING.
85
" ' Angel of goodness, how shall T requite thee ?
Interesting moment, with what palpitating emotions
art thou fraught ! ' " and, quoting from the '•' Mysteries
of Udolpho," he unlocked and opened the drawer with
a tragic gesture.
" 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' Shakspeare.
They look very familiar, and I fancy I know the heads
they thatched."
*• YeSi you all gave me one when I went away, you
know ; and I carried them round the world with rae in
that very box."
" I wish the heads had gone too. Here 's a jolly
little amber god, with- a gold ring in his back and a
7no8t balmy breath," continued Charlie, taking a long
:;niff at the s^ent-bottle.
" Uncle brought ma that long ago, and I 'm very
fond of it."
" This now looks suspicious, — a man's ring with a
lotus cut on the stone and a 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
every thing to make my visit pleasant. I wish you 'd
go and see him like a dutiful son, instead of idling
here."
"That's what Uncle Mac is eternally telling me;
It
f<-
'I
.11
86
ROSE IN BLOOM.
but I don't intend to be lectured into the tread-mill
till I 've had my fling first," muttered Charlie, rebel-
liously.
" If you fling yourself in the wrong direction, you
may find it hard to get 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 should like to see him ;
for it 's almost four years since he came home last, and
he must be getting on."
Charlie was the only one of the boys who ever called
his father "governor:" perhaps bocnuso the others
knew and loved their fathers, while he had seen so
little of his thpt the less respectful name came more
readily to his lips ; since the elder man seemed in
truth a governor issuing requests or commands, which
the younger too often neglected or resented.
Long ago Rose had discovered that Uncle Stephen
found home made so distasteful by his wife's devotion
to society, that he preferred to exile himself, taking
business as an excuse for his protracted absences.
The girl was thinking of this, as she watched her
cousin turn the ring about with a sudden sobriety
which became him well ; and, believing that the mo-
ment was propitious, she said earnestly, —
« He is getting on. Dear Charlie, do think of duty
more than pleasure in this case, and I'm sure you
never will rem-et it."
PlilNCE CHARMING.
87
" 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 be worrying about right and wrong !
Uncle Alec taught you that along with the rest of his
queer notions."
"I'm glad he did!" cried Rose, warmly; then
checked herself, and said with a patient sort of sigh,
"You know women always want the men they care
for 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 strong conviction that, if we were, the dear
souls wouldn't like us lialf as well. Would they
now?" asked Charlie, wdth an insinuating smile.
" Perhaps not ; but that is dodging the point. Will
you go?" persisted Hose, unwisely.
'« No, I will not."
That was sufficiently decided ; and an uncomfortable
pause followed, during which Rose tied a knot unnec-
essarily tight, and Charlie went on exploring the
drawer with more energy than interest.
" Why, here 's an old thing I gave you ages ago ! ''
he suddenly exclaimed in a 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 of flesh ? " he asked, half in earnest, half in jest,
touched by the little trinket and the recollections it
awakened.
\ ■
88
11
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" No, I will not," answered Rose, bluntly, nnich dis-
pleased by the irreverent and audacious question.
Charlie looked rather abashed for a moment ; but
his natural light-hearted.iess made it easy for him to
get the better of his own brief fits of waywardness, and
put others in good humor with him and themselves
" Now we are even : let 's drop the subject and start
afresh, he said with irresistible affability, as he coolly
put the little heart in his pocket, and prepared to shut
the drawer. But something caught his eye, and ex-
claiming, "What's this? what's this? "he snatched
up a photograph which lay half under a pile of letters
with foreign post-marks.
" Oh ! I forgot that was there," said Rose, hastily
" Who is the man ? " demanded Charlie, eying the
good-looking countenance before him with a frown
"That is the Honorable Gilbert iVIurry, who went up
the Nile with us, and shot crocodiles and other small
deer, being a mighty hunter, as I told you in my let-
ter»," answered Rose gayly, though ill-pleased at the
httle discovery just then ; for this had been one of
the narrow escapes her uncle spoke of.
"And they haven't eaten him yet, I infer from that
pile of letters ? " said Charlie, jealously.
" I hope not. His sister did not mention it when
she wrote last."
"Ah! then she is your correspondent? Sisters are
dangerous things sometimes." And Charlie eyed the
packet suspiciously.
PRINCE CHARMING.
89
" In thir case, a very convenient thing; for she tells
me all about her brother's wedding as no one else
would take the trouble to do."
"Oh! well, ii he's married, I don't care a straw
about him. I fancied I'd found out why you are
such a hard-hearted charmer. But, if there is no
secret idol, I 'm all at lea again." And Charlie tossed
the photograph into the drawer, as if it no longer in-
terested him.
" I 'm hard-hearted because I 'm particular, and, as
yet, do not find any one at all to my taste."
" No one ? " with a tender glance.
" No one," with a rebellious blush, and the truthful
addition, "I see much to admire and like in many
persons, but none quite strong and good enough to
suit me. My heroes are old-fashioned, you know."
" Prigs, like Guy Carleton, Count Altenberg, and
John Halifax : I know the pattern you goody girls
like," sneered Charlie, who preferred the Guy Living,
ston, Beauclerc, and Rochester style.
" Then I 'm not a ' goody girl,' for I don't like prigs.
I want a gentleman in the best sense of the word, and
I can wait ; for I 've seen one, and know there are
more in the world."
" The deuce you have ! Do I know him ? " asked
Charlie, much alarmed.
I' You think you do," answered Rose, with a mis-
chievous sparkle in her eye.
" If it isn't Pem, I give it up. He is the best-bred
fellow I know."
90
ROSE IN BLOOM.
\
" Oh, dear, no ! far suj.erior to Mr. IVinberton, and
many years older," said R„so, with so much ros]>ect
that Charlie looked peri)le.ve(I as well as anxious.
"Some apostolic minister, i fancy. You pious
creatures always like to adore a parson. But all we
know are married."
"He isn't."
" Give a name, for pity's sake : I 'ni suffering tort-
ures of 8usj)ense," begged Charlie.
" Ale.Yander Camp])ell."
" Uncle ? Well, uj.on my word, that 's a relief, but
mighty absurd all the same. So, when you find a
young saint of that sort, you intend to marry him, do
you?" demanded Charlie, much amused and rather
disappointed.
" When I find any man half as honest, good, and
noble as uncle, I shall be j.roud to marry him, if he
asks me," answered Rose, decidedly.
"What odd tastes women have!" And Charlie
leaned his chin on his hand, to muse pensively for a
moment over the blindness of one woman who could
admire an excellent old uncle more than a dashhi-
young cousin. °
Rose, meanwhile, tied up her parcels industriously,
hopmg she had not been too severe ; for it was very
hard to lecture Charlie, though he seemed to like it
sometimes, and came to confession voluntarily, know-
ing that women love to forgive when the sinners are
of his sort.
PRINCE CHARM/ NO'.
01
" Tt will 1)0 mail-tiine before you arc done," she said
presently; for silence 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 a puzzled expression, —
" What is all this ? Cost of rei)airs, &c., from a
man named Buffum ? "
" Never mind that : I '11 see to it by and by."
" J^ut I do mind, for I 'm interested in all your af-
fairs ; and, though you think I've no head for busi-
ness, you'll find I have, if you'll try me."
" This is only about my two old houses in the city,
which are being repaired and altered so that the rooms
can be let singly,"
" Going to make tenement-houses of them ? Well,
that 's not a bad idea : such places pay well, I 've
heard."
" That is just wliat I 'm not going to do. I wouldn't
have a tenement-house on my conscience for a million
of dollars, — not as they are now," said Rose, ie-
cidedly.
" Why, what do f/ou know about it, except that
poor people live in them, and the owners turn a
penny on the rents ? "
" I know a good deal about them ; for I 've seen
many such, both here and abroad. It was not all
pleasure with us, I assure you. Uncle was interested
in hospitals and prisons, and I sometimes went with
him : but liey made me sad ; so he suggested other
92
ROSE TN BLOOM.
oliaritioH, that I noiild lu'lp about wlien we came lionio.
I visited Infant Schools, Working-women's Tfomes,
Orplian Asylums, and })laceR of that sort. You don't
know how much good it did me, and how glad I am
that I have the means of lightening a little some of
the misery in the world."
"But, my dear girl, you needn't make ducks and
drakes of your fortune trying to feed and cure and
clothe all the poor wretches you see. Give, of course:
every one should do something in that line, and no
one likes it better than I. Bui don't, for mercy's sake,
go at it as some women do, and get so desperately
earnest, jtractical, and charity-mad that there is no
living in peace with you," protested Charlie, looking
alarmed at the prospect.
" You can do as you please. I intend to do all the
good I can by asking the advice and following the ex-
ample of the most 'earnest,' 'practical,' and 'charita-
ble ' people I know : so, if you don't approve, you can
drop my acquaintance," answered Rose, emphasizing
the obnoxious words, and assuming the resolute air
she always wore when defending her hobbies.
• " You '11 be laughed at." •
" I 'm used to that."
"And criticised 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 '11 get some dreadful disease and lose
PRINCE CHAR MING.
98
»
your beauty, aiid then where arc you?" added
Cliarlio, lliinking that might daunt the young pld-
laiithrojiist.
But it did not ; for Hose answered, with a sudden
kindling of the eyes as she remembered her talk with
Uncle Alec, —
" I shouldn't like it : but there would be one satis-
faction in it ; for, when I 'd lost my beauty and given
away 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 in the old houses which their amiable
owner is repairing ? "
" I '"^ merely going to make them comfortable homes
for poor but respectable women to live in. There is a
class who cannot afford to pay much, yet suffer a great
deal from being obliged to stay in noisy, dirty, crowded
places like tenement-houses and cheap lodgings. I
can help a few of them, and I 'm going to try."
" May I humbly ask if these decayed gentlewomen
are to inhabit their palatial retreat rent-free ? "
" That was my first plan ; but uncle showed me that
it was wiser not to make genteel paupers of them, but
let them pay a small rent and feel independent. I
don't want the money of course, and shall use it in
keeping the houses tidy, or helping other w^omen in
like case," said Rose, entirely ignoring her cousin's
covert ridicule.
94
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" Don't expect any gratitude, for you won't get it ;
nor much comfort witli a lot of forlornities on your
hands ; and be sure that when it is too late you will
tire of it all, and wish yon had done as other peo-
ple do."
" Thanks for your cheerful prophecies ; but I think
I '11 venture."
She looked so undaunted that Charlie was a little
nettled, and fired his last shot rather recklessly, —
" Well, one thing I do know : you '11 never get a
husband if you go on in this absurd way ; and, by
Jove ! you need one to take 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 momentf
Those last words were peculiarly unfortunate, because
Aunt Clara had used them more than once, when warn-
ing her against impecunious suitors and generous proj-
ects. She was disappointed in her cousin, annoyed
at having her little pl;ms laughed at, and indignant
with him for his final suggestion.
" I '11 never have one, if I must give up the liberty
of doing what I know is right ; and I 'd rather go into
the poor-house to-morrow than 'keep the property
together ' in the selfish way you mean ! "
That was all : but Charlie saw that he had gone too
far, and hastened to make his peace with the skill of
a lover ; for, turning to the little cabinet piano behind
him, he sung in his best style the sweet old song, —
PRINCE CHARMING.
95
" Oh were thou in the cauld bhist,"
dwelling with great effect, not only upon the tender
assurance that
" My plaid should slielter thee,"
but also that, even if a king,
" The briglitest jewel in my crown
Wad be my queen, wad be my queen."
It was very evident that Prince Charming had not
gone troubadouring in vain ; for Orpheus himself could
not have restored harmony more successfully. The
tuneful apology was accepted with a forgiving smile,
and a frank, —
" I 'm sorry I was cross ; but you haven't forgotten
how to tease, and I 'm rather out of sorts to-day. Late
hours don't agree with me."
" Then you won't feel like going to Mrs. Hope's to-
morrow night, I 'm afraid," and Charlie took up the
last note with an expression of regret which was very
flattering.
" I must go, because it is made for me ; but I can
come away early, and make up lost sleep. I do hate
to be so fractious," and Rose rubbed the forehead that
ached with too much racketing.
" But the German does not begin till late : I 'm to
lead, and depend upon you. Just stay this once to
oblige me," pleaded Charlie ; for he had set his heart
on distinguishing himself.
96
ROSE IN BLOOM.
"No: I promised uncle to be temperate in my
pleasures, and I must keep my word. I 'm so well
now, it would be very foolish to get ill and make him
anxious : not to mention losing my beauty, as you are
good enough to call it ; for that depends on health,
you know."
" But the fun doesn't begin till after supper. Every
thing will be delightful, I assure you ; and we '11 have
a gay old time as we did last week at Emma's."
" Then I certainly will not ; for I 'm ashamed of
myself when I remember what a romp that was, and
how sober uncle looked, as he let me in at three in the
morning, all fagged out ; my dress in rags, my head
aching, my feet so tired I could hardly stand, and
nothing to show for five hours' hard work but a pocket-
ful of bonbons, artificial flowers, and tissue-paper fool's-
caps. Uncle said I'd better put one on and go to
bed ; for I looked as if I 'd been to a French Bal
Masque. I never want to hear him say so again, and
I '11 never let dawn catch me out in such a plight any
5i
more.
"You were all right enough; for mother didn't
object, and I got you both home before daylight.
Uncle is notional about such things, so I shouldn't
mind ; for we had a jolly time, and we were none the
worse for it."
"Indeed we were, every one of us! Aunt Clara
Jiasn't got over her cold yet ; I slept all the next day ;
and you looked like a ghost, for you 'd been out every
night for Aveeks, I think."
PRINCE CHARMING.
97
e in my
I so well
lake him
you are
Q health,
. Every
e '11 have
araed of
was, and
ee in the
ny head
md, and
a pocket-
er fool's-
id go to
inch Bal
;ain, and
ight any
r didn't
I ay light,
houldn't
one the
t Clara
xt day;
it every
"Oh, nonsense ! every one does it during the season,
and you '11 get used to the pace very soon," began
Charlie, bent on making her go ; for he was in his
element in a ballroom, and never happier than when
he hud his pretty cousin on his arm.
" Ah ! but I don't want to get used to it ; for it (iosts
too much in the end. I don't wish to get used to
being whisked about a hot room by men who have
taken too much wine; to turn day into night, wasting
time that might be better spent; and grow into a
fashionable fast girl who can't get on without excite-
ment. I don't deny that much of it is pleasant, but
don't try to make me too fond of gaycty. Help mo
to resist what I know is hurtful, and please don't
laugh me out of the good habits uncle has tried so
hard to give me."
Rose M^as quite sincere in her appeal, and Charlie
knew she was right : but he always found it hard to
give up any thing he had set his heart upon, no matter
how trivial; for the maternal indulgence which had
harmed the boy had fostered the habit of self-indul-
gence which was ruining the man. So when Rose
looked up at him, with a very honest desire to save
him as well as herself from being swept into the giddy
vortex which keeps so many young people revolving
aimlessly, till they go down or are cast upon the shore
wrecks of what they might have been, he gave a shrug
and answered briefly, —
"As you please. I'll bring you home as early as
7
98
ROSE IN BLOOM.
you like, and Effie Waring can take your place in the
German. What flowers shall I send you ? "
Now, that was an artful speech of Charlie's; for
Miss Waring was a fast and fashionable damsel, who
openly admired Prince Charming, and had given him
the name. Rose disliked her, and was sure her influ-
ence was bad ; for youth made frivolity forgivable, wit
hid want of refinement, and beauty always covers a
multitude of sins in a man's eyes. At the sound of
Efiie's name, Rose wavered, and would have yielded
but for the memory of tlie "first mate's" last words.
She did desire to " keep a straight course ; " so, though
the current of impulse set strongly in a southerly
direction, 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 of slip-
pers intended for Uncle Mac, —
" Don't trouble yourself about me. I can go with
uncle, and slip away without disturbing anybody."
" I don't believe you '11 have the heart to do it," said
Charlie, incredulously, as he sealed the last note.
" Wait and see."
" I will, but shall hope to the Inst," and, kissing his
hand to her, he departed to post her letters, quite sure
that Miss Waring would not lead the German.
It certainly looked for a^ moment as if Miss Camp-
bell would^ becau j she ran to the door with the words
" I '11 go " upon h«. lilts. But she did not open it till
POLISHING MAC. 99
she had stood a minute staring hard at tlio old glove on
Psyche's head ; then, like one who had siuldenly got a
bright idea, she gave a decided nod and walked slowly
out of the room. ^
CHAPTER VI.
POLISHING MAC.
" pLEASE could I say one word ? " was the ques-
tion three times repeated before a rough head
bobbed out from the grotto of books in which Mac
usually sat when he studied.
"Did any one speak?" he asked, bh'nking in the
flood of sunshine that entered with Rose
" Only three times, thank you. Don't disturb your-
self, I beg ; for I merely want to say a word," answered
Kose, as she prevented him from offering the easy-
chair m which he sat.
''I was rather deep in a compound fracture, and
didnt hea. What can I do for you, cousin?" and
Mac shoved a stack of pamphlets off the chair near
bim, with a hospitable wave of the hand that sent his
papers flying in all directions.
Rose sat down, but did not seem to find h^r «^ord "
an easy one to utter ; for she twisted her handkerchief
100
ROSE IN BLOOM.
1
about her fingers in embarrassed silence, till Mac put
on his glasses, and, after a keen look, asked soberly, —
"Is it a splinter, a cut, or a whitlow, ma'am?"
" It is neither ; do forget your tiresome surgery for
a minute, and be the kindest cousin that ever was,"
answered Rose, beginning rather sharply and ending
with her inost 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 the other boys," answered the artful
damsel.
Mac looked pleased, and leaned forward, saying
more affably, —
" Name it, and be sure I '11 grant it if I can."
" Go Avith me to Mrs. Hope's party to-morrow
night."
" What ! " and Mac recoiled as if she had put a pis-
tol to his head.
" I 've left you in peace a long time : but it is your
turn now; so do your duty like a man and a cousin."
" But I never go to parties ! " cried the unhappy vic-
tim in great dismay.
" High time you began, ^ir."
" But I don't dance fit to be seen."
" I '11 trach you."
" My dress-coat isn't decent, I know."
" Archie will lend you one : he isn't goino-."
" I 'm afraid there 's a lecture that I ought not to cut."
" No, there isn't : I asked uncle."
3
»
**
'i:
POLISHING MAC.
101
[ Mac put
oberly, —
.1?"
irgery for
VQY was,"
d ending
youth.
't choose
he artful
I, saying
1.
(-morrow
nit a pis-
I is your
iousin."
ippy vic-
. to cut."
" I 'm always so tired and dull in the evening."
" This sort of tiling is just what you want to rest and
freshen up your spirits."
Mac gave a groan and fell back vanquished; for it
was evident that escape was im])ossible.
" What put such a perfectly wild idea into your
head ? " he demanded, rather roughly ; for hitherto he
had been "left in peace," and this sudden attack de-
cidedly amazed him.
" Sheer necessity ; but don't do it if it is so very
dreadful to you. I must go to several more parties,
because they are made for me; but after that I'll re-
fuse, and then no one need be troubled with me."
Something in Rose's voice made Mac answer peni-
tently, even while he knit his brows in perplexity,—
"I didn't mean to be rude; and of course Pll cro
anywhere if I 'm really needed. But I don't unde^r-
stand where the sudden necessity is, with three other
fellows at command, all better dancers and beaux than
I am."
" I don't want them, and I do want you ; for I
haven't the heart to drag uncle out any more, and you
know I never go with any gentleman but those of my
own family." ^
"Now look here. Rose : if Steve has been doing any
thmg to tease you just mention it, and I '11 attend to
him, ' cried Mac, plainly seeing that something was
amiss, and fancying that Dandy was at the bottom of
It, as he had done escort duty several times lately.
I
102
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" No, Steve has been very good : but I know he had
rather be with Kitty Van ; so of course I feel like a
marj)lot, though he is too polite to hint it."
" What a noodle that boy is ! But there 's Archie :
he 's as steady as a church, and has no sweetheart to
interfere," continued Mac, bound to get at the truth,
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 does prefer 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 came in to sit with the old lady
when the young folks were away ; and, of course, duti-
ful 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 mothers couldn't keep
him at home of an evening. Have you had a tiff
with Adonis, and so fall back on poor' me?" asked
Mac, coming last to the person of whom he thought
first, but did not mention, feeUng shy about alluding
to a subject often discussed l^ehind her back.
"Yes, we 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 be quite inde-
pendent, and you can help n:e if you will," said Rose,
rather nervously spinning the big globe close by.
Mac gave a low whistle, looking wide awake all in a
POLISHING MAC.
103
m a
minute, as he said with a gesture, as if he bruslied a
cobweb off his face, —
" Now, see here, cousin : I 'm not good at mysteries,
and shall only blunder if you put me blindfold into
any nice manoeuvre. Just tell me straight out what
you want, and I '11 do it if I can. Play I 'm uncle,
and free your mind ; come now."
He spoke so kindly, and the honest eyes Avere so full
of merry good-will, that Rose felt she might confide
in him, and answered as frankly as he could desire, —
" You are right, Mac ; and I don't mind talking to
you almost as freely as to uncle, because you are such
a reliable fellow, and won't think me silly for tryino-
to do what I believe to be right. Charlie does, and
so makes it hard for me to hold to my resolutions. I
want to keep early hours, dress simply, and behave
properly ; no matter what fashionable j)eople do. You
will agree to that, I 'm sure ; and stand by me through
thick and thin for principle's sake."
" I will ; and begin by showing you that I under-
stand the case. I don't wonder you fwe not pleased ;
for Charlie is too presuming, and you do need some
one to help you head him off a bit. Hey, cousin ? "
"What a way to put it!" and Rose laughed in
spite of herself, adding with an air of relief, " That is
it; and I do want some one to help me make him
understand that I don't choose to be taken possession
of in that lordly way, as if I belonged to him more
than to the rest of the family. I don't like it ; for
101
I
noSK /N BLOOM.
people bo^.in to t.'ilk, niul (1,;„1
Jigrccahli. it is t<) mo."
i«' won't BOO how dis-
1
Tril liiin so," WM8 l\rMc's hlmK jid
I li:ivc>; but he onlv l.ni.rha .,ii(l
vice
>:»vc', niid tlu'ji lio docs it
that r can't say any (liin^r. Von ^yin
and I
cannot explain ; lor it is o.dy a lool
promises to be-
i.i^'ain, when I am so j)laced
never understand,
k, or a word,
i.ive i(, and the best
or some little thinj;; but I won't 1
way to enre hi.n is to put it out of his power to unnov
me so." "^
"Ho is a -reat flirl, and wants to teach yon how T
suppose. I'll speak to him if you like, and tell hi'm
you don't Avant to learn. Shall I ?" asked Mac, find-
mnr the case rather an interesting one.
"No, thank you: that would only make trouble.
If you will kindly ],lay escort a few times, it will show
Charlie that I am in ear.iest without more words, and
put ,1 stop to the gossip," said Rose, colorin- like a
poppy at the recollection of what she heard one young
man whisper to another, as Charlie led her throu-h
a crowde.l supper-room with his most devoted lUr,
"Lucky dog I he is sure to get the heiress, and we are
nowhere."
"There 's no danger of people's gossiping about
us 18 there?" and Mac looked up, witli the oddest of
all Ins 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
liie slight put upon his manhood.
how dis-
!8 to bc-
o placi'd
liTNtMIld,
• Ji word,
till' liost
o iiuiioy
II how, I
tell him
ac, fiiid-
troidde.
ill show
I'da, Jind
f like a
J young
Jirough
ed air.
we are
about *
dest of
but a
enting
j
J
IS
POLISH I N(i MAC,
105
((
Ves; but he Ih liko o(!
K'r
are a dear old bookwonu. N
what
ym did ; so yon may tr„ t(
•Kht
young men, while you
<» one woidd ever mind
> parties with me
^'very n.ght, ,„d not a w(M-d would b(. Haid
then
was, I shoiddn't
mind
or, if
Mwvv. it iH 'oidy M,
ic
» »
W01-.I ofU'ii „»,m1 t„ oxen,,. |,i„ vif;,,ri<.H
"The, / a,„ „„l„„lyV" lifting hi, l„-„w,, H, if the
.lw(».v,.,j- ,„r|,r„,,l „n,l ,,,t|,„, „,,^|_|^,, ,,.,^^
" NolKMlj. in „„ri,ty ,„ j,,,^ . ^„^ , . ^^.
you ,y oonf,.lant, ,„.,! eh„o,ing y„„ f,,,. n./kni,,,,,, "
8«ul Uo,c,l„.,i,.ning t„ ,o„the the feeling, her cele s
word, Bconicl to have rnffle.l slightly
^J^Mueh good Ma. is likely t^. ,1„ „,e," g„n„,,ed
-Yo„ nngratefnl boy, not to appvechUo the honor
1 ve conferred n,,on y„„ , J kn„,v a dozen who wonid
be proud of the „laeo: but yon only eare for com.
pound fracture,; ,„ I won't detain yon any longe
except to ask if I n.ay consider n.yself provided wUh
an escort for to-n,orrow night?" said ]{„se, a trifle
hurt .u h,s indifference; for she was not used to
he. . bow wluch was such a capital imitation of
Ch lies grand manner that she forgave him at once,
exclamimg with amused surprise, —
gal?!"'''' ^'""' ^ ''''"'' '"'°* y"" '"«'<' be so ele-
106
Uu^e IN BLOOM.
" A fellow can bo almost any tiling he likes, if he
tries hard enough," he answered, stand
ing very straight,
and looking so tall and dignified that Rose was (juite
impi
ith
stately
i-essecl, and
ing graciously,
" I accept with thanks. Good-morning, Doctor
Alexander Mackenzie Campbell."
When Friday evening came, and word was sent up
that lier escort had arrived, Rose ran down, devoutly
li ing ^'-'at he had not come in a velveteen jacket, top-
boots, bi.^ck gloves, or made any trifling mistake of
that 801,. A young gentleman was standing before
the long mirror, apparently intent on the arrangement
of his hair; and Rose paused suddenly as her ey* went
from the glossy broadcloth to the white-gloved hands,
busy with an unruly lock that would not stay in place.
" Why, Charlie, I thought — " she began with an
accent of surprise in her voice, but got no further ; for
the gentleman turned and she behehl Mac in immacu-
late evening costume, with his hair parted sweetly on
his brow, a superior posy at his button-hole, and the
expression of a martyr upon his face.
" Ah, don't you wish it was ? No one but yourself
to thank that it isn't he. Am I right ? Dandy got
me up, and he ought > ivnow what is what," de-
manded Mac, folding his .., «.u., ar,i standing as stiff
as a ramrod.
"You are so regularly splcLlid that i don't know
you."
c
c
c
:es, if he
straight,
vi\s (|uite
ired, say-
Doctor
sent up
devoutly
iket, top-
stuke of
^ before
iigement
iy-e went
I hands,
n place,
with an
ler; for
mmacu-
3etly on
and the
►'ourself
idy got
It," de-
as stiff
b know
«
tl
Oman
proval.
POLISHING MAC.
Neither do I."
I really had no idea you could look so lik
added TJoK", surveying hini witl
107
n
a
i Jjfreat
gen-
ap-
((
Nor I iiML I could feel so HI,
e a fool.
"Poor boy! he docs look rather miserable. What
can I do to cheer him up, in return for the sacrifice he
IS making?"
"Stop culling me a boy. It will soothe my a.^ony
immensely, and give me courage to ai>pear in alow-
necked coat and a curl on my forehead ; for I ',n not
used to such elegancies, and find them no end of a
trial."
Mac spoke in such a pathetic tone, and gave such a
gloomy glare at the aforesaid curl, that Rose lau-hed
in his face, and added to his woe by handing him°her
(^loak. He surveyed it gravely for a minute, then care-
tally put it on wrong side out, and gave the swan's-
down hood a good pull over her head, to the utter
destruction ( f all smoothness to the curls inside.
^^^•>se utte.cu a cry and cast off the cloak, biddino-
him learn to do it properly, which he meekly did, and
then led her down the hall without walking on her
skn-ts more than three times by the way But at the
door she discovered that she had forgotten her furred
overshoes, and bade Mac get them.
"Never mind: it's not wet," he said, pullinc. his
cap^over his eyes and plunging into his coat, regardless
ot tiie « elegancies » that alHicted him.
^
108
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" But I can't walk on cold stones with thin slippers,
can I ?" began Rose, showing a little white foot.
« You needn't, for _ there you are, my lady ; " and,
unceremoniously picking her up, Mac landed her in
the carriage before she could say a word.
" What an escort ! " she exclaimed in comic dismay,
as she rescued her delicate dress from the rug in which
he was about to tuck her up like a mummy.
"It 's 'only Mac,' so don't mind," and he cast him-
self into an opposite corner, with the air of a man who
had nerved himself to the accomplishment of many
pamful (^uties, and was bound to do them or die.
» But gentlemen don't catch up ladies like bags of
meal, and poke them into 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 '
what you are about, and don't get yourself or me into
a scrape if you can help it," besought Rose, feeling
that on many accounts she Iiad gone farther and fared
worse.
"I '11 behave like a Turveyd.op : see if I don't."
Mac's idea of the immortal Turveydrop's behavior
seemed to be a peculiar one ; for, after dancing once
with his cousin, he left her to her own devices, and
soon forgot all about her in a long conversation with
Professor Sturaph, the learned geologist. Rose did
not care; for one dance proved to her that that branch
of Mac's education had been sadly neglected, and she
was glad to glide smoothly about with Steve, though
I
«
f
1 slippers,
bot.
y;" and,
d her in
3 dismay,
in which
;ast him-
tnan who
of many
r die.
J bags of
Y- It is
igh time
lo mind "
me into
feeling
id fared
i't.»
>ehavior
ig once
ies, and
on with
ose did
branch
and she
t.lmnnpl-i
&■•
•1
POLISHING MAC. 109
he was only an inch or two taller than herself. She
had plenty of partners, however, and plenty of chape-
rons ; or all the young men were her most devoted,
and all the nu.trons beamed upon her with maternal
benignity.
Charlie was not there; for when he found that Rose
stood firm, and had moreover engaged Mac as a per-
manency, he would not go at all, and retired in hic^h
dudgeon to console himself . ith more dangerous pL
times. Rose feared it would be so ; and, even in the
mids of the gayety about her, an anxious mood came
over her now and then, and made her thoughtful for a
moment. She felt her power, and wanted to use it
wisely ; but did not know how to be kind to Charlie
without being untrue to herself and giving him false
hopes.
"I wish we were all children again, with no hearts
to perplex us and no great temptations to try us " she
said to herself, as she rested a moment in a quiet' nook
while Iier partner went to get a glass of water. Right
in the midst of this half-sad, half-sentimental reverie,
she heard a familiar voice behind her say earnestly _
"And allophite is the new hydrous silicate of alu-
nana and magnesia, much resembling pseudophite,
which Websky found in Silesia."
" What is Mac talking about ! " she thought : and
peepmg behind a great azalea in full bloom, she saw
her cousin in deep converse with the professor, ovi-
dently having a capital time ; for his face had lost its
sews!
110
ROSE IN BLOOM.
melancholy expression and was all alive with interest,
while the ekler man was listening as if his remarks
were both intelligent and agreeable.
"What is it?" asked Steve, coining np with the
water, and seeing a smile on Rose's face.
She pointed ont the scientific tete-cl-tetc going on
behind the azalea, and Steve grinned as he peeped,
then grew sober and said in a tone of despair,—
" If you had seen the ])ains I took with that fellow,
the patience with Avhich I brushed his wig, the time
I spent trying to convince him that he must wear thin
boots, and the fight I had to get him into that coat ;
you 'd understand my feelings when I see him now."
"Why, what is the matter with him?" asked Rose.
" Will you take a look, and see what a spectacle he
has made of liimself. He 'd better be sent home at
once, or he will disgrace the family by looking as if
he 'd been in a row."
Steve spoke in such a tragic tone that Rose took
another peej) and did sympathiije with Dandy; for
Mac's elegance was quite gone. His tie was under
one ear, his posy hung upside down, his gloves were
rolled into a ball, which he absently squeezed and
pounded as he talked, and his hair looked as if a whirl-
wind had passed over it; for his ten fingers set it on
end now and then, as they had a habit of doing when
he studied c.r talked earnestly. But he looked so
hapj)y and wide awake, in spite of his dishevelmont,
that Rose gave an approving nod, and said behind her
fan, —
interest,
remarks
v'ith the
;oing on
peeped,
air, —
t fellow,
he time
ear thin
at coat ;
now."
1 Rose.
tacle he
lome at
ig as if
se took
dy; for
i under
es were
;ed and.
a whirl-
t it on
g when
'ked so
ehnent,
ind her
4,
POLISHING MAC. m
T fV v. *• ''^'"^ '^''''''^''' ^''''' •• y^^'^ «" the. whole
I think h.s own odd ways suit him best; and 1 J
we shall yet be proud of him, for he knows nun e '
a 1 the rest of us put together. He.. ,bat n ' '
W j..used, that they n.ight listen to the m.jl
burst of elo(pience from IMac's lips • _
J You kn.:^ Frenzel has shown that the globuiur
forms of siheate of bismuth at Schneebnrg and Jo
goc^enstadt :.re not ison.etrie, but Ln.l ^
cry^=a^.orm;andeonse,uen^
"Isn't it awful? Let us get out of this before
there s another avalanehe, or we shall be globul r ;
caes an. sometric crystals in spite of ou,.!lv:;;
peied Steve with a panic-stricken air; and thev fed
J-om the hail-storm of hard words tha ra I l^b
^--ars, leaving Mac to enjoy himself in It;:
escoit, he was nowhere to be seen- fn,.
e p,.„ 03,0,. had departed, and Mac wiU. 1 'f !
*o..bod ■„ .„,„„ „,,, ,„,,„ ,,^^ ,^^ outirc y :,::
dawned upon Rose f' / r ^'^'''^"« ^''^^t
Shewasbot .n:;\ :;\:f^^^^^ .-^ ^^ i-.'i-'l.
to go moonin/.Tff I . ■ '' ™ ^" ^'^« ^^^^o
g mooning off and leave her to her fato Not -i
iiaid one, however; for thono-h <;!.
> loi, tnough (5teve was gone with
112
ROSE IN BLOOM.
Kitty before liei- flight was discovered, Mrs. Bliss was
only too glad to take the deserted damsel under her
wing, and bear her safely home.
Rose was Avarming her feet, and sipping the choco-
late which Piiebe always liad ready for her, as she
never ate suj)i)ers; when a hurried tap came at the
long window whence the liglit streamed, and Mac's
voice was heard softly asking to be let in " just for one
minute."
Curious to know what had befallen him, Rose bade
Phebe obey his call ; and the delinquent cavalier ap-
peared, breathless, anxious, and more dilapidated than
ever: for he hrd forgotten his overcoat; his tie was
at the back of his neck now ; and his hair as rampantly
erect as if all the winds of heaven had been blowing
freely through it, as tliey had ; for he had been tearing
to and fro the last half-hour trying to undo the dread-
ful deed he had so innocently committed.
" Don't take any notice of me ; for I don't deserve it :
I only came to see that you were safe, cousin, and
then go hang myself, as Steve advised," he began, in a
remorseful tone, that would have been very effective
if he had not been obliged to catch his breath with a
comical gas]) now and then.
" I never thought you would be the one to desert
me," said Rose, with a repi-oachful look ; thinking it
best not to relent too" soon, tliough she was quite ready
to do it when she saw how sincerely distressed he was.
1*
" It was that confounded man !
He was a regular
i
Bliss was
mder her
le choco-
r, as she
le at the
ad Mac's
it for one
ose bade
alier ap-
ited than
i tie was
Linpantly
blowing
1 tearing
e dread-
serve it :
sin, and
;jan, in a
iffective,
1 with a
3 desert
iking it
;e ready-
he was.
regular
)
POLISHING MAC.
4"*
i
113
the ti„,e w,. short ;;,/;'7-" ■"^--tion, „.
thing else when I get u M „ , ";'''' '"''S^'' "^''^
"Th„ ;. ./ ^ '"'""* soch •■' fellow."
■inat IS evKlcnt. I won.To,. i,
member mo at nil," ,n„w -ed R ^°" "■"'"' '" '"-
-Tn";: r.f ::::' •°'""'""=" ^-^^ -•"<'«'
I Vl gone and le JI "J' '" "'". '"^'"' ^""'='^' that
me do,™ with a fe tC" IT, ',"'"' ''"■= ''""''''»'»
-ne of his iniquity! ' ''°"^^' «^'=' """"g
"What did you do then?"
" Do ! I went off like n «i,„t „ j
I .-cached the Hopes " _ ' "''"' "'W^'J tiU
"B":ru:\::vrB:ir"-'^^«-
overcoat. "etected the absence of an
"Couldn't do less, could I?" asked Mn . ■
— the door and trying not^ „f "' "^"-^ "P
"-was„oneedofha,f.ki„i4y„„,.,,,,„.,^„^^
o
I !
— •~- T ■;-
114
ROSE IN BLOOM.
a trifle. You might have known I could take care
of myself for once, at least, with so many friends about.
Sit down this minute. ]3ring another cuj), please,
Phebe : this boy isn't going home till he is rested and
refreslied after such a run as that," commanded Rose.
" Don't be good to me : I'd rather take a scolding
than a chair, and drink hemlock instead of chocolate
if you happen to have any ready," answered Mac, with
a pathetic puff, as he subsided on to the sofa, and
meekly took the draught Phebe brought him.
" If you had any thing the matter with your heart,
sir, a race of this sort might be the death of you : so
never do it again," said Rose, oftering 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 is my fault : I ought to have stopped
as Ave went by, nnd told you I was all right."
" It 's the mortification, not the miles, that upsets
me. I often take that run for exercise, and think
nothing of it ; but to-night I was so mad I made extra
good time, I fancy. Now don't you worry, but com-
pose your 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 ? "
take care
311(18 about,
ip, please,
rested and
ied Rose,
a scold incf
' chocolate
Mac, with
! sofa, and
liin.
^our heart,
)f you : 80
'an to cool
ike a trip-
'^e stopped
hat upsets
and think
nade extra
, but com-
as Evelina
nversation
ked IJose,
'^er read a
POLISHING MAC.
«>
it
115
"I thought you read nothini. but OrooL-.. it •
with an occ-isionn] ,.] ^^ '"t't'k and Latin,
ucxasional glance at Wobslcv'« , . i , •
and the monoolinics of Joh-.n "^^ ' J*-^<''"^oph,te8
Mac opened his t^J^Tr^T^'''
^-- the Me, a,^y tl J r^^^^^
f'oartinessthatAuntPen V "^^^ ^"^'^ ^"^^
"i6' the house afire ^"
->nt., looking about fo!,,;::;,""' "' "" ^"''^' ""■
" You l,,ave„'t got any, you benio-htei] b„v r . ,
"iB, and have your wit, ..r, , ° ^- "" ^"^^
-n't let you off o i;':;!^"'.',"?" *-"' <"■ I
<»-Piea.„.e in he,- ,a!,g I" I , ' "' ""'' "» ««« of
"Next time! Tl.en vou°H„ ■
"7 me again ■„„] ll , '^'™ "'^ Y°" "-"l
-' a fool " '/;: "" ";''™- '» P'-ove that I •„
emotion. *'' '='"'"•'"•'"« "'^ ^S coat with
" Of course I will • o^/i „ ^
"'gl)t,and told Steve that , """' /""•■• 'cwmng to-
»»■■ philosopher." °"^'" '» l-^ P™«d of
"Learning be hano-ed f T '?i v.
116
ROSE IN BLOOM.
a book-worm, but as much a man as any of tlion. ; and
then you may be i)roucl or not, as you like!" cried
Mac, with a defiant nod, that caused the glasses to
leap wddly off Ids nose, as he caught up his hat and
departed as he caine.
A day or two later, Rose went to call upon Aunt
Jane, as she dutifully did once or twice a week On
her way upstairs, she heard a singular sound in 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
didcens do I do with my left leg wliile I 'm turning
and sliding with my right?" demanded another voice,
m a breathless and mournful tone.
_ Tlien the whistling and thumping went on more
vigorously than before; and Rose, recognizing the
voices, peeped through the half-open door to behold a
sight which made her shake with suppressed laughter
Steve, with a red table-cloth tied round Jiis waist, lan-
guished upon Mac's shoulder, dancing in perfect time
to the air he whistled ; for Dandy was a proficient in
the graceful art, and plumed himself upon his skill
Mac with a flushed face and dizzy eye, clutched his
brothel- by the small of his back, vainly endeavoring
to steer him down the long room without entangling
his^own legs in the table-cloth, treading on his partt
ner s toes, or colliding with the furniture. It was very
droll; and Rose enjoyed the spectacle, till Mac, in a
1*1
thc'iii ; and
ke ! " cried
glasses to
lis hat and
ijjon Aunt
veek. On
nd in the
listen,
•ee, turn !
itiently.
what the
II turning
her voice,
on more
Izing the
behold a
laughter,
^aist, hm-
■ect time
"icient in
his skill,
ched his
eavoring
tangling
his part-
vas very
:iic, in a
POLISHING MAC. nj
frantic attempt to swing round, dashed himself against
he wall, and landed Steve upon the floor. Tlfen
was impossible to restrain her laughter nny Ion" '
an she walked in upon them, saying merHl, 1^ '
^Ji was splendid I Do it again, and I 'H p'^y for
Steve sprung up, and tore off the table-cloth in great
^oLiturhirr'trt" '"''' ''' -- -^^
nailed 'thf't 't-''"^"' '"• ^'^" ' «^-^^^ ^>-e
mi sed his touchmg tableau of cousinly devotion
and^brotherly love. Getting ready for our next p":;;
"Trying to; but there are so many things to re
memb.. all at once, -keep time, steer'straigh , odge"
pet icoats, and manage my confounded ieg 1
tha .t sn't easy to get on at first," answered Mac
wipmg his hot forehead, with a sio-l, 'f „ I '
« Knr-q. , • u T «" ^^ exhaustion.
Haidest job Z ever undertook ; and, as I 'm not a
battermg-ram, I decline to be knocked round !
ong-'' g-wled Steve, dusting his knees, n ^
ully surveymg the feet that had been tram;ied on l"
heytmgled; for his boots and broadcloth'jll
to the heart of the dapper youth
J tl^ ^"r 1. ^'"' ''"' ' '"^ "^-^^ «Wiged. I Ve
.ot the pace, I thmk, and can practise with^a chair to
118
ROSE IN BLOOM.
I
keep my liand in," siiid Mac, with such a comio mixt-
ure of gratitude and resio-n.-ition that Rose went off
ngain so irresistibly tliat her cousins joined her witli a
hearty roar.
"As you are making a martyr of yourself in my ser-
vice, the least I can do is to lend a hand. Play for
us, Stevo, and I '11 give JVIac a lesson, unless he prefers
the chair." And, throwing off hat and cloak. Rose
beckoned so invitingly that the gravest philosopher
would have yielded.
"A thousand thanks, but I'm afraid I shall hurt
you," began Mac, much gratified, but mindful of past
mishaps.
" I 'm not. Steve didn't manage his train well, for
good dancers always loop theirs up. I have none at
all : so that trouble is gone ; and the music will make
it much easier to keep step. Just do as I tell you, and
you '11 go beautifully after a few turns."
"I will, I will! Pipe up, Steve! Now, Rose!"
And, brushing his hair out of his eyes with an air
of stern determination, Mac grasped Rose, and re-
turned to the charge, bent on distinguishing himself
if he died in the attempt.
^ The second lesson prospered : for Steve marked the
time by a series of emphatic bangs ; Mac obeyed orders
as promptly as if his life depended on it; and, after
several narrow escapes at exciting moments, Rose had
the satisfaction of being steered safely down the room,
and landed with a grand pirouette at the bottom!
Tiio, mixt-
went off
ler with a
n my ser-
Pl.iy fol-
ic prefers
ak, Rose
ilosopher
hall hurt
1 of past
well, for
none at
'^ill make
you, and
Rose ! "
I an air
and re-
himself
■ked the
1 orders
d, after
3se had
e room,
bottom.
POLISH J XG AfAC.
no
Stove .a,>,,n.,..le,,, .,,,1 Mac, ,„uch oh.tod, e«l.i,ned
With ai-tleas ciindor,—
Ro»o I „,«.^, dctostc, ,l...„d„g before; but Ly
<io you know, I rather like it."
"Xknew you woul,] ; o„ly you .nustu't rtand with
you. arm rou„.l your partner i„ thi,, way when you are
done. You n.ust seat and fan her.if rf,e like., it," ,,.id
rWe, a„x,„„s to perfect a pupil who .seemed »o hu„o„:
tiihly in need ofa teaelier.
"Yes of eonrse, I know how they do it;" .nnd, re-
he wuh a folded newspaper, so full of grateful .eal
that .he had not the heart to ehide hin, again.
We i done, old fellow. I begin to have hopes of
you, and wdl order yon a new dress-eoat at onee si ,ee
you are really going in for the ,,roprieties of life 'said
Steve fron, the mnsie-stool, with the a,,proving no
of one who was a judge of .said proprieties. "Now
Rc«e,rfy„uwinj„steo.aohhima,ittloinhi.,sma:
did ih T "'■' ' '••"'S'™S-tock of himself as he
dul the o her n,gh,," added Steve. " I don't mean hi,
geological g.abble : that was bad enough, bnt hi.; c
with Emma Curtis was much worse. Tell her Mae
and see ,f she doesn't think poor Emma had a righ ' „'
think you a first-class bore." ^
little^ !°''lr ^^^' *'"'" ' ■"^■■"'y *"'^ '<> have a
little sensible conversation," beo-an Ma" ~ith -1„
tanee; for he had been unmereTful.y chaffe b; ij
cousins, to whom his brother had betrayed him.
120
ROSE IN BLOOM.
^ ^'^' What did yon say ? I won't laugh if I can help
it," said Rose, curious to hear ; for Steve's eyes were
twinkling with fun.
" Well, I knew she was fond of theatres ; so I tried
that first, and got on pretty well till I began to tell her
how they managed those things in Greece. Most in-
teresting subject, you know ? "
" Very. ])id you give her one of the choruses or a
bit of Agamemnon, as you did when you described it
to me ? " asked Rose, keei)ing sober with diflieulty as
she recalled that serio-comic scene.
"Of course not; but I was advising her to read
Prometheus, when she gaped behind her fan, and began
to talk about Phebe. What a ' nice creature ' she was,
' kept her place,' ' dressed according to her station,'
and that sort of twaddle. I suppose it was rather
rude, but being pulled up so short confused 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 room, because she wasn't all fuss and
feathers like most of the girls."
" O Mac! that to Emma, who makes it the labor of
her life to be always in the height of the fashion, and
was particularly splendid that night. What did she
say ? " cried Rose, full of sympathy for both parties.
" She bridled and looked daggers at me."
" And what did you do ? "
" I bit ray tongue, and tumbled out of one scrape
into another. Following her example, 1 changed the
I
I can help
I eyes were
so I tried
to tell her
Most in-
•
ruses or n
ascribed it
iliieulty as
r to read
md began
' she was,
• station,'
as rather
me a bit,
my head,
5t-dressed
fuss and
labor of
bion, and
' did she
)arties.
e scrape
iged the
POLISHING MAC.
1.
121
'"'f "' ''^ '""'-« •^''""' .!"■ CI,,.„.it,. r„„eert f„,. „"
what v.e„t before. *""'' '"^' ™"'' ••«
" Imagine Emma trotlincr i-oun.l w!,., „
"No, she t. e^ ;rt''.":'" "l"'' '^-" "--
' '-^"'^^ '^ 'JttJe shriek, and snifl « n^^^
cous, Mr. Campbell, how droll ;„„ ',. V.t "■""
niamm.n, nlen.p ' „.i,; i, t ,. , •™"""''- T'a'te me to
Catch n e ;« ; !' '" '"* '^ ">™«"> heart,
a grim sh.I Tflb: Ifri ' ''' "="""■" ^""^" *^-- »''-
c-*o.retWma„.ehaHt,.Uh';ot::;lJ:;-
122
ROSE IN BLOOM.
i- i
Greek tragedy if you did the chorus for them as you
did for me," said Rose, consolingly; 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 t^totum of himself."
" I will with pleasure ; and if you dance well they
will make it very pleasant for you, and you '11 enjoy
parties in spite of yourself."
" I cannot be a ' glass of fashion and a mould of
form ' like Dandy here, but I '11 do my best : only, if I
had my choice, I 'd much rather go round the streets
with an organ and a monkey," answered Mao, despond-
ently.
" 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
which reminded 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 gesture of comic despair, Mac strode
from the room, chanting tragically the words of Cas-
sandra, —
" ' Woe ! woe ! O Earth ! O Apollo ! I will dare
to die ; I will accost the gates of Hades, and mako
my prayer that I may receive a mortal blow ! ' "
'Ab
em as you
eve would
1 cultivate
16 reward
well they
a '11 enjoy
mould of
only, if I
he streets
despond-
and Rose
reproach
it he was
[iway the
ac strode
3 of Cas-
will dare
nd raaka
PHEBE. 123
CHAPTER VII.
PHEBE.
"^HILE Rose was making discoveries and having
. «--Per,ences, Phebe was doing the same h t
the eye „f f,,e,„M,ip die, „o^ pLp '"'" "'""'' ^™'
V taKe the place she was meant to fill
no obstacle, tl, ■'^°'"' °" '"S""'^'' ""-linS
'' to their companionship in the secluded
MaxaaiHaaiMtiWiiiNaKb^ii
I
i| I
11 i
124
ROSE IN BLOOM.
world ill which they lived : now that tliey were women
their paths inevitably diverged, and both reluctantly
felt that they must part before long.
It had been settled, when they went abroad, that on
their return Phebe should take her one gift in her
hand, and try her fortunes. On no other terms would
she accept the teaching which was to fit her for the
independence she desired. Faithfully had she used
the facilities so generously afforded both at home and
abroad, and now was ready to prove that they had
not been in vain. Mucli encouraged by the small suc-
cesses she won in drawing-rooms, and the praise be-
stowed by interested friends, she began to feel that
she might ventuie on a larger field, and begin her
career as a concert singer ; for she aimed no higher.
Just at this time, much interest was felt in a new
asylum for orphan girls, whicii could not be completed
for want of funds. The Campbells "well had borne
their part," and still labored to accomplish the much-
needed charity. Several fairs had been given for this
purpose, followed by a series of concerts. Rose had
tlirown herself into the work Avith all her heart, and
now proposed that Phebe should make her debut at the
last concert which was to be a peculiarly interesting one,
as all the orphans were to be present, and were expected
to plead their own cause by the sight of their innocent
helplessness, as well as touch hearts by the simple airs
they were to sing.
Some of the family thought Phebe would object to
I I
PIIEBE.
were women
1 reluctantly
road, that on
gift in her
terms would
her for the
A she used
t home and
It they had
e small suc-
e praise be-
to feel that
I begin her
higher.
[t in a new
1 completed
had borne
the much-
en for this
Rose had
heart, and
Ubut at the
resting one,
re expected
ir innocent
simple airs
[ object to
125
so humble a boginnin«- buf T» i ,
was „„t di.a,.p„l,e W^r , , "' ''"' '"^"'"•' ""''
Phcbe a„s«.' L, Z^;:: '"■" "'« '""'•^- '-■ 1-1 1.
" Where could I finrl .^ flff ^'
before the public h th' ' ' '"'' '^'''™ '" """'«
misfortune I'i 1 ?,?'""' 7"'"^ "'"^"™ '"
about me." ' """ ''■''™ "" """ri"'' >"a,l„
imie 'vocnl music but voiir« ni,;i +1. 1 •, ^
I'll -0 tbat you b.ve eve. ftriirrr '''':'"■"'"'
promised Rose. ^ ^ ' ^°" l''"''""."
Aunt Cla,° ^ ' " ' .' I" ^''^ """ ""' --»'^''-
Pl..bede ide otetr'', "; "" '™' ' ^"«""«
withfdllsat „e krd„7"" "T"'""'""'' ""^■■'•"°
gown., n„d ^tit ; :^^°;'i:t;p;t"™ "■ ""-"• "'""■
" "ttie supper afteJ... ••ullf':; ];:""'^<' '" '7"
Pliebe be<.ffed her t„ „v occasion ; hut
the poor :f : '"Ttrr " 'r " ^''™""- "■""- f"^
of flowers, andCharhe , ili'rT" '^ ""■"* """""'»
si"go.- in. But Ph ' ' r """"■ °* ''-''■"""S 'bo
tbel kindly offc?'. "'* "=^" '" "-• «yos, declined
""y oitcis, s.-iynig earnestly, —
1 li.ld better bccrin ^lo T „ ^
uegin as 1 am to o-o on -.^a a
P™ myseif entirely. Indeed, Mr. Cha^"',, '';;""
-'"-n alone ; for you M bo out of p,,:.„7 „„:;:'':::
126
ROSE IN BLOOM.
and spoil the j^athetic effect we wish to produce," and
a smile sparkled through the tears, as Phebe lc!)ked at
the piece of eisgance before her, and thought of the
brown gowns and pinafores.
So, after much discussion, it was decided that she
should have her way in all things, and the family con-
tent themselves with applauding from the front.
" We 'H blister our hands every man of us, and
carry you home in a chariot and four : see if we don't,
you perverse prima donna ! " threatened Steve, not at
all satisiied with the simplicity of the affair.
" A nhariot and two will be very acceptable as soon
as I 'n? done. I shall be quite steady till rny part is
all over, and then I may feel a little upset ; so I 'd like
to gs3t away before the confusion begins. Indeed I
don't mean to be perverse : but you are all so kind to
me, my heart is full whenever I think of it ; and that
wouldn't do if I 'ra to sing," said Phebe, dropping one
of the tears on the little frill she was making.
No diamond could have adorned it better Archie
thought, as he watched it shine tliere for a moment ;
and felt like shaking Steve for daring to pat the dark
head with an encouraging, —
« All right. I '11 be on hand, and whisk you away
while the rent are splitting their gloves. No fear of
your breaking down. If you feel the least bit like it,
though, just look at me ; and I '11 glare at you and
shake my fist, since kindness upsets you."
" I wish you would, because one of my ballads is
PlIEBE.
127
rather touching and I ahv,.y. .», ^ „.^, „„^„ ^
"...« .t. Ihe sight of you trying to gh,ro will „.„ke
me waut to laugh, an,, that will steady.ne nieci; »
:;:-;----.•-.-„, out .hen zeou^-;;-
;: D^P^'l "Pon me ! " And the little n.an departed
k.ng great credit to hhn.elf for his influence over
tall, handsome Phebe.
If he had known what was going on i„ the mind of
the s,le„t young go„tlc,na„ behind the nowsnaner
Steve would have been much astonished; for A'ch e
though apparently engrossed by business, was fathoms'
deep m ove bv this fimn !«■„ ^luioms
Rose- forhp V, K . "'"' '*''^P'''=t«l this but
PheW I t "'""^^ "'"■ ^^ "y-^' ""d only
Pliebe knew how eloquent they could be. He had
d.«covered what the matter was long ago,-h."m de
many attempts to reason himself out of it birtfinTw
ta h le,s t k, had given up trying, and le 1 im ff
duf dehcously. The knowledge that the familv
would not approve only seemed to add ardl- o '
iove and strength to his purpose : for the same ell
and persistence which he brmml.f , i. ■ "^
into every thiue he did Tf '""""''" """">■
>"» mind'to Zrt Phie" ; •"■■"^ """ "'""'^ "P
plan except a ::.^tm'he;'''"'-"»'>-g«>>'«
to make him happy. Her stead^astt;::/;;:::;
, Jt^
ai^a
128
ROSE IN BLOOM.
\ I
I fi
ways; :uk1 the reserved power and passion betrayed
sometimes by a flash of the bhick eyes, a quiver of the
firm lips, — suited Archie, who possessed many of the
same attributes himself : while the obscurity of her
birth and isolation of her lot, which would have de-
terred some lovers, not only appealed to his kindly
heart, but touched the hidden romance which ran like
a vein of gold through his strong common-sense, and
made practical, steady-going Archie a poet when he
fell in love. If Uncle Mac had guessed what dreams
and fancies went on in the head bent over his ledgers,
and what emotions were fermenting in the bosom of
his staid "right-hand man," he would have tapped his
forehead, and suggested a lunatic asylum. The boys
thought Archie had sobered down too soon. His
mother began to fear that the air of the counting-
room did not suit him : and Dr. Alec was deluded
into the belief that the fellow really began to " think
of Rose ; " he came so often in the evening, seeming
quite contented to sit beside her work-table, and snip
tape, or draw patterns, while they chatted.
No one observed that, though he talked to Rose on
these occasions, he looked at Phebe, in her low chair
close by, busy but silent ; for she always tried to efface
herself when Rose was near, and often mourned that
she 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 tlie table, the damask cheek
curving down into the firm white throat, and the dark
%
PHEBE.
passion betrayed
3, a quiver of the
ssed many of the
obscurity of her
would have de-
id to his kindly
ce which ran like
niinon-sense, and
a poet when he
scd what dreams
over his ledgers,
in the bosom of
■ have tapped his
lum. The boys
too soon. His
di the counting-
lec was deluded
began to " think
evening, seeming
k-table, and snip
Ltted.
alked to Rose on
in her low chair
ys tried to efface
m mourned that
No matter what
the glossy black
he damask cheek
jat, and the dark
129
lashes, lifted now and then, showing eyes so deep and
soft e dared not look into them long, 'fiven th'sw ft
and fell with her quiet breath, the plain work she
Id, and the tidy way she gathered he/ bits of thre'
to a tmy bag. He seldom spoke to her; n v'
V ted strmg or scissors; very rarely ventured to
bung her some curious or pretty thing when ships
came i„ from China: only sat and thought oft"
-agmed that this was Ms parlor, this ^..woik taWe'
and tney two sitting there alone a happy l^tj
At this stage of the little evening drama, he would
lash that he took refuge in a new form of intoxication
-><1 proposed mu.ic, sometimes so abruptlv that t'
-nld pause in the middle of a sentenTe L toti:
-.surprised to meet a curiously excited look ^ tl 1
us,ii.illy cool, gray eyes.
Then Phebe, folding up her work, would ..o to th«
o " '^*^'i as at snf!ii tinios • f,.,. i\ i • i,
f^."03paerew.n.e.u..„„,.j:,j:-^^^^^^^^^^
130
ROSE IN BLOOM.
h
few und gentle, praises hearty and abundant ; and she
poured out licr soul as freely as a sprmg gushes up
when its hidden source is full.
Always comely, with a large and wholesome growth,
in moments such as these Phebe was beautiful with
the beauty that makes a man's eye brighten with hon-
est admiration, and thrills his heart with a sense of
womanly nobility and sweetness. Little wonder, then,
that the chief spectator of this agreeable tableau grew
nightly more enamoured; and, while the elders were
deep in whist, the young people were playing tliat still
more absorbing game in which hearts are always
trumps.
Rose, having Dummy for a partner, soon discovered
the fact, and lately had begun to feel as she fancied
Wall must have done when Pyramus wooed Thisbe
through its chinks. She was a little startled at first,
then amused, then anxious, then heartily interested, as
every woman is in such affairs, and willingly continued
to be a medium, though sometimes she quite tingled
with the electricity which seemed to pervade the air.
She said nothing, waiting for Phebe to sjjeak; but
Phebe was silent, seeming to doubt the truth, till
doubt became impossible, then to shrink as if suddenly
conscious of wrong-doing, and seize every possible
pretext for absenting herself from the " girls' corner,"
as the pretty recess was called.
The concert plan afforded excellent opportunities
for doing this ; and evening after evening she slippeil
PlIEBE.
indaiit ; and she
priiig gushes up
olesome growth,
3 beautiful with
ghteii with hon-
with a sense of
;le wonder, tlien,
jle tableau grew
the elders were
claying tliat still
irts are always
soon discovered
I as she fancied
s wooed Thisbe
startled at first,
ly interested, as
lingly continued
le quite tingled
pervade the air.
to sjjeak; but
, the truth, till
k as if suddenly
every possible
" girls' corner,"
it opportunities
ling she slipped
131
away to practise her son^s unsfiir. «.J '^ k ,
wonl of co.nfort, but felt shy, - he was s k'. ^'
fellow, — so ]oU I.;,, f ^ ' "«- was such a reserved
"^ ^ ^^^''"" to coiK ucthLs oiil..^ u.^ • • ,
- "^vn way, feelino- tinf ih. . ' ^ "'''"« "' '''«
xp.nts, Archie was „, n„,to .s Tfi ^''""
••■"otions whi..h ,„i„ht nttem,,, , ^ ""''"'^
I""ko.l ut tl,n . ' " ''''•'""■ "e "ever
4 Ii«t her o™ ^i^ " T" '" ^^'^^ ^° *«■■" "^^f---
liis- fork "'!"™'="' l»-<-'ve„tc,I ,„uc|, „„ji<,„ ,
',' '"' '^"^o "■■■'s in a flutter of hoi.o n,,,! f
pathyand delight, about Phebe aud hi '' '^'"■
liiouse was crowded • fhn , i '"°"'-''"- '''''e
l»"ke the gene 0,; ' •' "'*""""y ""■«<' '»
-n.indoro^hToIifetlrZ''^'''''-^^'*-'-
* , "^""' *'■"■»• ''O'V nice they look ! " « p„„ ,..
'young to be fatherless and motherless " Z "f '
^^g-ce to the city, if those .i Isire noT [
froper care of" » q„k. • .. ° ^^^ ^^^ taken
y- know ; and pret'v Ir'T' '"^^ "'""^^ '" -''«■.
k-- -eetkt snr i ;t fr/T '"" ^'" ^°"
ve heard th,s Phebe Moore, and she
i
III
132
ROSE IN BLOOM.
really has a delicious voice : such a pity she won't fit
herself for opera ! " " Only sings three times to-night ;
that 's modest I 'm sure, when she is the chief attrac-
tion ; so we must give her an encore after the Italian
piece." •" The or])hans lead off, I see : stop your ears
if you like ; but don't fail to aijplaud, or the ladies
will never forgive you."
Chat of this sort went on briskly, while fans waved,
programmes rustled, and ushers flew about distract-
edly ; till an important ger.tlenian appeared, made his
bow, skipped upon the leader's stand, and with a wave
of his baton caused a general uprising of white pin-
afores, as the orphans led off with that much-endurii.g
melody, " America," in shrill small voices, but with
creditable attention t j time and tune. Pity and pa-
triotism produced a generous round of applause ; and
the little girls sat down, beaming with innocent satis-
faction.
An instrumental piece followed, and then a youthful
gentleman, with his hair in picturesque confusion, and
what his friends called a " musical brow," bounded up
the steps, and, clutching a roll of music with a pair of
tightly gloved hands, proceeded to inform the audi-
ence, in a husky tenor voice, that
" It was a lovely violet."
What else the song contained in the way of sense or
sentiment it was impossible to discover ; as the three
pages of music appeared to consist of v.ariations upon
-'^
PIIEBE.
>ity she won't fit
! times to-night ;
the chief nttrac-
ifter the Itiilian
stop your e;irs
d, or the ladies
liile fans waved,
about diiStract-
3ared, made his
nd with a wave
^ of white pin-
muc'li-endurii.g
oices, but with
. Pity and pa-
applause ; and
innocent satis-
then a youtliful
! confusion, and
v," bounded up
5 with a pair of
form the audi-
way of sense or
- ; as the three
^^ariations upon
133
'■■■'->■■-. when h„ r.Z'Z\lf " "°'"" ^""°
-.u with a'it^; 4'T: ,', ^."«'' »""»'""S D,.. A,....
•he .cade,.., stancT,^; :.'::"! "" T"' '""'-'"■''
toward the ..iojr.,1 ' ' "" "''' '""'^'^
She forgot to glance at Arcliic an,I if
Pe;ha,.; for hi. heart was ^,!:^-::'Z:rZ^f
»8 ho waited for l,is Phebe Not frn ^'
--t o..t fro™ „,„„„, „, :hi.i';::, :';:tr;
unseen n the shifln^r r.f *i, >viRie she had sat
". her w,,.: d , e. ;r"' "'""' ""'^'^ ^"^"^
«ne hair a„d a white Z::^rZ:TV" T
>>"t quite ootnposed, ap„are„tlv \ '^ P"'"'
»'°-lv through the n:.rCZl'i : ^^
liol.Iino- i,,^ck he,. .1,- , , "Pturned faces,
again.' .:', ^f^^ '-t the, shonid r,.de>, ,rU
-t,howedha3ti.;:„t„, :.e:::::;:™'^''^
■ Pnnist, stood waitino- to bo^in l" ''''*''^"^-
■ g'-^at gilt clock at tlTo 1 ? ' ■ "^'' ^""'"^ ^'^ the
fe ''"(^^ at the opposite end of the hall
on an eager, girli,,, „„nntena.fce b ' d^. f '"'■""
'""t ; then, with her ha,tv ht Me, u^ '■'"" " ''•""'
b.-.ck among the child eT T , ' ''" '*■""' "J-'^'^'r
.he passed, len.Tfr. ''■'P''"'' ™" ""'"'J'"' -»
t Every oLe ! K , """^ *^ ''""«<' «he had s„r.
p > one courteous], followed their example: b^t
134
RO^E IN BLOOM.
there was no enthusiasm, and it was evident that
Phebo had not produced a ])articularly favorable im-
pression.
" Never sang so badly in her life," muttered Charlie,
irefully.
" She was frightened, poor thing. Give her time,
give her time," said Uncle j\[ac, kindly.
"I saw she was, and I glared like a gorgon, but she
never looked at me," added Steve, smoothing his
gloves and his brows at the same time.
" That first song was the hardest, and she got through
much better than I expected," put in Dr. Alec, bound
not to show the disappointment ho felt.
"Don't be troubled. Phebe has courage enough
for any thing, and she '11 astonish you before the even-
ing 's over," prophesied Mac, with unabated confi-
dence ; for he knew something that the rest did not.
Rose said nothing, but, under cover of her burnous,
gave Archie's hand a sympathetic squeeze ; for his
arm-; were unfolded now, as if the strain was over, and
one lay on his knee, while with the other he wiped his
hot forehead with an air of relief.
Friends about them murmured complimentary fibs,
and affected great delight and surprise at Miss Moore's
"charming style," "exquisite simplicity," and "un-
doubted talent." But strangers freely criticised, and
Rose was so indigjiant at some of their remarks she
could not listen to any thing upon the stage, though
a fine overture was played, a man with a remarkable
PUEBE.
13/1
evident that
favorable iin-
tered Charlie,
ive hor time,
Ja-
rgon, but she
inoothiug his
c got through
. Alec, bouud
irage enough
'ore the even-
abated lonfi-
BSt did not.
her burnous,
'cze ; for his
w'as over, and
he wiped his
mentary fibs,
Miss Moore's
," and "un-
ritieised, and
remarks she
Jtage, tliough
I remarkable
bass voice growled and roared melodiously, an<l the
orphans sang a lively air with a chorus of « Tra hi hi "
which was a great relief to little tongues unused 'to
long silence.
^ "I've often heard that wo.nen's tongues were hun.^
in the middle and went at both en.ls : now I 'm sure
of It," whispered Charlie, trying to cheer her up by
pomting out the comical eff.ct of some seventy-five
open mouths, in each of which the unruly n.ember was
waggmg briskly.
It.|M. lnn«l,c.,l ,*cl let him fan I.er, leaning f,o„. his
seat .eh,„d with the ,levote,l air he always n»sn„„ .1
'" IM.hhc; h„t her won„,le,l feeling., were not s„„ihefl
ami she continncl to frown at the stent n.u, on Ihc'
eft who ha,l .lared to say with n shrug an.l a glanee
at Phebes next piece, "That yonng w„n,an can no
'-'■0 »."S tins Italian thing than she ean «y, an.l thoy
ought Ti.,t to let her attempt it." '
Phehe .11,1, however; and suddenly changed the
stout mans opinion by singing it grandly; for the
oonse,„u,„ess of her first (allure pri,.ked her pride an.l
spurred her to do her best with the cahn sort of detenni-
..a .on wh,ch conquers tear, fires ambition, and changes
.cat to success. She looked steadily at Rose now,
■'■ tl.0 Hushed, „,tent face beside her; and throwing al
auon, hlhng the great hall and setting the hearers-
Wood a-tn,gle with the exulting strain.
riiut settloil Piw.ijo'^ -c„<.- .
-.- i!,. .v^ ^,itc as cauLatrice; for the
^^
136
HOSE IN BLOOM.
' 1
applause was genuine and spontaneous this time, and
broke out again and again Avith the generous desire to
atone for former coldness. But she would not return,
and the shadow of the great organ seemed to have
swallowed her up ; for no eye could find her, no pleas-
ant clamor win her back.
" NoW; I can die content," said Rose, beaming with
heart-felt satisfaction ; while Archie looked steadfastly
at his programme, trying to keep his face in order, and
the rest of the family assumed a triumphant air, as if
they had never doubted from the first.
" Very well, indeed," said the stout man, with an
approving nod. " Quite promising for a beginner.
Shouldn't wonder if in time they made a second Gary
or Kellogg of lier."
"Now you'll fijrgive him, won't you ?" murmured
Charlie, in his cousin's ear.
" Yes ; and I 'd like to pat him on the head. But
take warning and never judge by first appearances
again," whispered Rose, at peace now with all man-
kind.
Phebe's last song was another ballad ; for she
meant to devote her talent to that much neglected
but always attractive branch of her art. It was a
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 out
in the old bird-song which first won Rose. But the
PHEBE.
:his time, and
fous desire to
Id not return,
imed to have
her, no pleas-
beaming with
ed steadfastly
1 in order, and
liant air, as if
man, with an
r a beginner.
I second Gary
? " murmured
le head. But
t appearances
with all man-
lad ; for she
iich neglected
rt. It was a
person in the
Robin Grey,"
t^ith a smiling
3n, broke out
ose. But the
137
A
chirping, twittering, and cooing were now the burden
to throe verses of a charming little song, full of spring-
time and the awakening life that makes it lovei - A
ripplmg accompaniment flowed through it all, and a
burst of delighted laughter from the children filled
up the first pause with a fitting answer to the voices
that seemed calling to them from the vernal woods
It was very beautiful, and novelty lent its charm to
the surprise ; for art and nature worked a pretty mira-
cle, and the clever imitation, first heard from a kitchen
hearth, now became the favorite in a crowded concert
rooni. Phebe was quite herself again ; color in the
cheeks now; eyes that wandered smiling to and fro •
and hps that sang as gaily and far more sweetly than
[.when she kept time to her blithe music with a scrub-
oiiig brush.
TJ.is song was evidently intended for the children
ami they appreciated the kindly thought; for, as
,0 went back among them, they clapped ecslati-
clly, flapped their pinafores, and some caught her by
«- skn^ts with audible requests to "do it agai.f
Iplease; do it again." ^ '
%ott,?ht^*°* 1""' ''°"' ^^ ™"'^''^^' ^- '« »■•-
lay sweetly slumbering there," till roused by the
clamor round them. The elders, however, were no
'' " "' "S''™''^'^ ^ " Mrs. Nubble. " at the play.
SK£i
138
ROSE TN BLOOM.
iir
" Never niliKl your gloves, Steve ; keep it up till
slio comes," cried Charlie, enjoying the fun like a boy;
while Jamie lost his head with excitement, and stand-
ing up called " Phebe ! Phebe ! " in spite of his mother's
attempts to silence him.
Even the stout man clapped, and Rose could only
laugh delightedly as she turned to look at Archie, who
seemed to have let himself loose at last, and was stamp-
ing with a dogged energy funny to see.
So Phebe had to come, and stood there meekly bow-
ino-, with a moved look on her face, that showed how
dad and grateful she was, till a sudden hush came ;
then, as if inspired by the memory of the cause that
brought her there, she looked down into the sea of
friendly faces before her, with no trace of fear in her
own, and sung the song that never will grow old.
That went straight to the hearts of tliose who heard
her: for there was something inexpressibly touching
in the sight of this sweet- voiced woman singing of
home for the little creatures who were homeless ; and
Phebe made her tuneful plea irresistible by an almost
involuntary gesture of the hands which had hung
loosely clasped before her ; till, with the last echo of
the beloved word, they fell apart and were half-out-
stretched as if pleading to be filled.
It was the touch of nature that works wonders ; for
it made full purses suddenly weigh heavily in pockets
slow to open, brought tears to eyes unused to weep,
and caused that group of red-gowned girls to grow
PHEBE.
139
eep it up till
'iin like a boy ;
nt, and staml-
af his mother's
)se could only
it Archie, who
ind was stamp-
•c meekly boAV-
t showed how
n hush came ;
the cause that
lito the sea of
of fear in her
grow old.
lOse who heard
jsibly touching
iian singing of
homeless ; and
3 by an almost
lich had hung
le last echo of
were half-out-
8 wonders ; for
vily in pockets
iiused to weep,
girls to grow
very pathetic in the sight of fathers and mothers «.ho
li.i(l left httle da:,ghters safe asleep at home This
was evident from the stilh.ess that remained nnhroke,,
for an instant after Phebo ended; and before peo.d,.
conid get rid of their han.lkerehiefs slie wouhl have
been gone, it the sadden appearance of a mite in a
-, i.mafore, cli.nbing np the stairs fron, the anteroon,,
: w.th a great bouquet grasped in I , ' bands, l,ad not
arrested her.
; Up oan,e the little ereatare, intent on performing
: the m,»s,on for which rich bribes of sugar-plums had
> been promised, and trotting bravely across the sta.-e,
< voice "n'"'/'" '""'" """'"■■'^' ^■■'^'•"S '" •"■■•^ '«^T
.voc., "D,s for yon, ma'am;" then, stareled by tho
-..1, en outburst of applause, she bid her face i„
PI'ehe s gown, and began to sob with fri.d,t
An awkward minute for poor Phebe ;' but she
showed unexpected presence of mind, and left behind
l.er a pretty picture of tho oldest and tho youn.^cst
o.T.ha„, as she went quickly down the step, sun-ilng
over he great bouquet with the l>aby on he; a„n. '
Nobody n,„,ded the closing piece ; for pco,,le bc^an
t" go sleepy children to be carried off, and whis^r"
giew mto a buzz of conversation r,. ,i
fusion n, 1 , , '■"""^"'•"""i- I" the general eon-
f Mon, Rose looked to see if Steve had ren.emher,.,!
k.> proMuse to help Phe,,e slip away before th,. rush
ba->. No, there he was putting on Kitty's cloak
tu. obhvmus of any other duty ; and, turni^lg to ask
>anL ,■''''■''.'■''"" ''"'''' ">^' "-^ had already
,anished, leavmg his gloves behind him.
340
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" Have you lost any thing ? " asked Dr. Alec, catch-
ing a gliinpse of her face.
" No, sir, I 've found something," she whispered
back, giving him the gloves to pocket along with her
fan and glass, adding hastily as the concert ended,
"Please, uncle, tell them all not to come with us.
Phebe has had enough excitement, and ought to rest."
Rose's; word was law to the family in all things con-
cerning Phebe. So word was passed that there were
to be no congratulations till to-morrow, and Dr. Alec
got his party off as soon as possible. But all the way
home, while he and Aunt Plenty were prophesying a
brilliant future for the singer. Rose sat rejoicing over
the happy present of the woman. She was sure that
Archie had spoken, and imagined the whole scene with
feminino delight, — how tenderly he had asked the
momentous question, how gratefully Phebe had given
the desired re^dy, and now how both were enjoying
that delicious hour which Rose had been given to
understand never came but once. Such a pity to
shorten it, she thought ; and begged 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 the excitement of the evening.
" I thought you would want to rush into Phebe's
arms the instant she got d-ne," said Aunt Plenty,
innocently wondering at the whims girls took into
their heads.
« So I should if I consulted my o.wn wishes ; but as
Dr. Alec, catch-
she whispered
along with her
concert ended,
come with us.
I ought to rest."
ti all things con-
that there were
7, and Dr. Alec
But all the way
3 prophesying a
t rejoicing over
e was sure that
'^hole scene with
had asked the
liebe had given
were enjoying
been given to
?uch a pity to
ler uncle to go
is so mild, the
need of fresh
h into Phebe's
Aunt Plenty,
jirls took into
Wishes \ but as
PHEBE.
141
I Phebe ask^ to be let alone I want to gratify her "
|.nd:i;:dr::;:"^"^'^^^''-^--'^
> As the old lady's rheumatism forbade their driWn..
, Jbout tdl nndnight, home was reached much too ^
K<> e lunaght, and tripped asvay to warn the lovers thJ
;-tant she entered the house. But study, parlor, ad
b.nulou- were empty; and, when Jane ap Led 'J^h
cake and wme, she reported that" Miss Phebe went
" Tiiat isn't at all like Phebe : I hope she isn't ill "
began Aunt Plenty, sitting down to toast her 11 '
^he may be a little hysterical ; for she is a proud
1; ng and represses her emotions as long as she en
s ep ,„, ,,, ,, ^,^ ^^^^^^^,^ ^^^« ^ ^ J -.
" !^^' "^' '^'^ '« «"Iy tired. 1 '11 run up to her • she
" ^""^ •"''"•■'J'^ •"*'^» l'eo,.le queer, I Ve heard ■ ,o
-'.'Pose they settled it .„ i„ \, J^rri^ J TJ 'Z
-'■''"'■« -na..y to think ..out he; Cpil:
'%
11
142
ROSE IN BLOOM.
alone. I '11 not disturb her. Why, Phebe ! " added
Rose, suri)ri8ed ; for, entering her room, there was the
cantatrice, busy about the 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 were unnaturally
pale.
The instant she spoke. Rose knew that something
was w-rong, and a glance at her face confirmed vie
fear. It was like a dash of cold water, and quenched
her happy fancies in a moment ; but being a delicate-
minded girl she respected Phebe's mood, and asked no
questions, made no comments, and left her friend to
speak or be silent as she chose.
" I was so excited I would take a turn in the moon-
light to calm my nerves. O dearest Phebo, I am so
glad, so proud, so full of wondl^- at your courage and
skill and sweet ways altogether, that I cannot half tell
you how I love and honor you ! " she cried, kissing
the white cheeks with such tender warmth they could
not help glowing faintly, as Phebe held her little mis-
tress close, sure that nothing could disturb this inno-
cent affection. .
" It is all your work, dear ; because but for you I
might still be scrubbing floors, and hardly dare to
dream of any thing like this," she said, in her old
grateful way ; but in her voice there Avas a thrill of
something deeper than gratitude, and at the last two
-to
J*
PHE3E.
148
ebe ! " added
thcM-e was the
38 she always
lavo you been
as if anxious
e unnaturally
lat something
3onfirmed vie
and quenched
[12 a delicate-
and asked no
her friend to
in the raoon-
hebe, I am so
r courage and
annot half tell
cried, kissing
ith they could
her little mis-
urb this inno-
but for you I
ardly dare to
id, in her old
^as a thrill of
fc the last two
words ler hear! went np with a gesture of soft pride
as It It had been newly crowned.
Rose heard and sav and guessed the meaning of
both tone and gesture ; feeling that her Phebe deserved
both the singer's iHurel and the bride's myrtle wreath.
I 13ut slie only looked up, saying very wistfully _
forT"'" '^ ^'"' ^''" '' ^'""^'^'^ "'^^'' ^°' ^^^" ^' ^^" ''^^
" The happiest of my life, and the hardest," answered
Phehe r.«y,as she looked away from the question-
" Yo,. should have let us come nearer and help you
" I have to be ; for sometimes I feel as if I had noth-
ing e se to keep me up." She stopped short there, fear-
ing that her vo.ee would prove traitorous if she went
. j",'.d,-" "'°"""' *' •■'"'''' '" " *°"^ *'"" "™ ^tao^t
t "You think I did well to-ni.>ht?"
to lome':" "h "d "' T" '™™''^'' '""8''"^^'' *ey wanted
to come m a body and tell you so; but I sent them
|onu. beeause I knew you 'd be tired out. Perhap"
Jough ,, ,„, ,„,,^ .^_^^^ _^^ .haps
.'fad a crowd about you than just me? "
X2ll ^/''''r' *•''"« '"^ ^^-^ *''- »J what
* PJ"''^ -Wom called her that, and when ..he did her '
an was m the little word, making it so teudetha
tLa
t .,.
144
ROSE IN BLOOM.
Rose thought it the sweetest in the world, next to
Uncle Alec's "ray little girl." Now it was alniost
passionate, and Phebe's face grew rather tragical as she
looked down at Rose. It was impossible to seem un-
conscious any longer, and Rose said, caressing Phebe's
cheek, which burned with a feverish color now, —
" Then don't shut me out if you have a trouble ; but
let me share it as I let you share all mine."
« I will ! Little mistress, I 've got to go away, sooner
even than we planned."
"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 i-ipetuously, but
checked herself and answered honestly, —
" Uncle and I would be heartily glad ; and I 'm sure
Aunt 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 a disappointment if he brought me home.
She is right ; they all are, and I alone am to blame.
I should have gone long ago : I knew I should ; but it
was so pleasant I couldn't bear to go away alone."
" I kept you, and I am to blame if any one ; but
indeed, dear Phebe, I cannot see why you should care
even if Aunt Myra croaks, and Aunt Clara exclaims,
PHEBE.
world, next to
i it was Jilinost
ir tragical os she
ble to seem un-
aressing Phebe's
olor now, —
e a trouble ; but
ine."
I go away, sooner
145
I stay and make
family, and you
impetuously, but
id ; and I 'm sure
1 loved Archie as
I kind as she is it
•ought me home,
ne am to blame.
I should ; but it
away alone."
if any one ; but
( you should care
t Clara exclaims,
or Aunt Jane makes disagreeable remarks. Be hannv
a..d never mind them," eried Rose; so mueh excited
by all h,s that she felt the spirit of revolt rise up
w.th,„ her, and was ready to defy even that awe
msp'nng .nst.tution "the family" for her friend's
But Phebe shook her head with a sad smile : and
answered, still with the hard tone in her voice 'as «
fo.cmg back all emotion that she might see her duty
" r.„ could do that, but / never can. Answer me
th , Rose, and answer truly as y„„ ,ove me. If y„„
J d been aken into a house, a friendless, penniless
orlorn gn-l, and for years been heaped with ben efi s
fusted, taught, loved, and made, oh, so happy ,r„d
you thn.k jt right to steal away something' t''; he
g «1 people valued very much? To have them f
tbat you had been ungrateful, had deceived the^ Z '
«^ea„t to thrust yourself into a high place notl't f
you; when they had been generol,/ el.nTyout
o .er ways, far more than you deserved, cfuld yo^
^hon say as you do now, -Be happy and nevTr mLd
befI:e?ofee!rtlntt;^""^"""^'»^--'^^
tbo black eyes wire fulf?" ''T'' " ''«'«' '-
ri^t^aH'-"^''"^^^^^^^
a^iily to have become n x,.oi-o^ m. ^"^
bt unv/lc f -^ here was no need
»o.ds to answer the questions so swiftly asked; f!r
10
146
ROSE IN BLOOM.
it ^
Rose put licrsc'lf in Phebe's place in the drawing of a
breath, and her own pride made her truthfully J i-'ply^ —
" No : I could not ! "
"I knew you 'd say that, and help me do my duty ;"
and all the coldness melted out of Phebe's manner, as
she hugged her little mistress close, feeling the comfort
pi sympathy even through the blunt sincerity of Rose'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. Rose stretched out her
hands as if glad and ready to give help of any sort.
But Phebe would not tc.ke her accustomed place ;
for, as if coming to confession, she knelt down upon
the rug, and, leaning on the arm of the chair, told her
love-story in the simplest words.
" I never thought he cared for me until a little while
ago. I fancied it was you, and even when I knew he
liked to hear me sing I supposed it was because you
helped ; and so I did my best, and was glad you were
to be a happy girl. But his eyes told the truth ; then
I saw Avhat I had been doing, and was frightened.
He did not speak ; so I believed, what is quite true,
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 not ask or hope for any
thing, I did want him to see that I respected myself,
remembered my duty, and could do right as well as he.
I kept away ; I planned to go as soon as possible, and
PHEBE.
147
-solvod that at this concert I would do so well h„
J™M not ,,e.ha,„ed of poo,. Ph.he „;;::"„!:
-It was this that ,„ade you so strange, then • nrc
f<.'mng to go alone, „nd refusing every KmIZ: ^
■ <>- hands ? " asked Rose, feelin,: very su " 1 T ■■"
<lio state of Phebo's heart. ° ^ '^ ''''°".''
" Yes; I ,vanted to do every thing n.y^elf and n ,
rrfC^rrt"- :"---» err
™e, aud z .,,:,r hy^h:;:::,::; -:t;/
I "-as so fnghtened, Rose ! My breath was 11
"■y eyes so dizzy I could hardl see a. d ,h ^™'''
crowd of faces seeded so near 1 1:^ ,', ' "^
I'ad not been for the clock, I never should ^
through: and wh,.,, T vi , ^^'"' S"'
how I'd',, : :'''•"■ "<" ''■-""S i" the least
'- that I -d ftii:" . "'' "' ^"'"- '^'^'--'1 face told
ias;tuf;."r'l'!^-"'.^-^ "'^.---eetly
jtestedRo!;:^^; ^"■■^"--'■■y«Sht,'>ro-
" So you (lid : but tiio smile was full nf %
pride, as I wanted it to be • and T , I ! -^^^^ ""' "^
Uee behind the oJl / r '^'^ ^"'^ ^ ^'-^^'k
ir uxiiu ine organ, feelino- ready to tJii ,.
(How angry and miserable I tvas i I 1 ^'""'^•
flenched my ,,,,,ds, and vowed !« T T >7, "'"''
;«t time, or never sing anotL 1' T w "^"
Jesperate when mv fn, ^'^® *i"ite
i ^ >viiLn my turn oam« '^nrl f;:i- •? -
''^i^nost anything- fo, T ' ' \ '' '^ ' "'^"^^^
Z^mng, fo, I remembered that he was
f
148
ROSE IN BLOOM.
there. I 'ni not sure how it was, but it seeniud as if I
was all voice; for I let myself go, trying to forget
every thing except that two people must not bo disap-
pointed, though I died when the song was done."
"O Phebe, it was splendid! I nearly cried, I was
so proud and glad to -c you do yourself justice at
last."
"And he?" whispered Phebe, with her face half
hidden on the arm of the chair.
" Said not a word : but I saw his lips tremble and
his eyes shine ; and I knew he was the hai)piest creat-
ure there, because I was sure he did think you fit to
be his wife, and did mean to speak very soon."
Phebe made no answer for a momept, seeming to
forget the small success in the greater one which fol-
lowed, and to comfort her sore heart with the knowl-
edge that Rose was right.
" He sent the flowers ; he came for me, and, on the
way home, showed me how wrong I had been to doubt
him for an hour. Don't ask me to tell that part, but
be sure /was the happiest creature in the world then."
And Phebe hid her face again, all wet with tender
tears, that fell soft and sudden as a summer shower.
Rose let them flow undisturbed, while she silently
caressed the bent head ; wondering, with a wistful
look in her own wet eyes, what this mysterious pas-
sion was, which could so move, ennoble, and beautify
the beings whom it blessed.
An imp'ertinent little clock upon the chimney-piece
led as if I
to forget
' be (lisiii)-
iiie."
Led, I was
justice at
face half
nible and
iest creat-
you fit to
•
eming to
k^liich fol-
ic knowl-
d, on the
to doubt
l)art, but
■Id then."
;h tender
lower,
i silently
1 wistful
ious pas-
beautify
icy-pieco
BREAK /'JUS AHEAD.
149
stnk.ng cloven broke the silenee, and reminded PIhOk.
th.-.t she could not indulge in love-droMms there. SI,,
started up, brushed off Ikw tears, and said resolutely, -
- That is enough for to-night. Go happily to bed
and leave the troubles for to-morrow."
"But Phcbc, I must know what you sai.l," ericd
Rose l.ke a child defrauded of half its bedtime story
" I said ' No,' "
"Al,! but it will change to 'Yes' by and by • I 'm
sure of that: so I'lllet you go to dream of 'him.'
Ihe^Campbells «r. rather proud of being desccn.lants
of Robert Bruce ; but they have common-sense and
love you dearly, as you 'II see to-morrow "
"Perhaps." And, with a good-night kiss, poor
Phebe went away, to lie awake till dawn.
CHAPTKR VIII.
BREAKERS AHEAD.
^raiOUS to smooth the way for Phebe, Rose
was up betimes, and slipped into Aunt Plenty's
loon^ before the old lady had got her cap on. ^
Aunty, I 've something pleasant to tell you : and
«'Iule you listen, I '11 brush your h.i., as y^lL^
•d
,
1 ■
m
g ' ^
Wr'' &
%'-■■ 'iM
I
tm I
150
ROSE IN BLOOM.
have me," she begnn, well fiwnre that the proposed
process Avas a very soothing one.
" Yes, dear : only don't be too particular, because
I'm late and must hurry doAvn, or Jane won't get
things straight; and it does fidget me to have the
salt-cellars uneven, the tea-strainer forgotten, and your
uncle's paper not aired," returned Miss Plenty, briskly
unrolling the two gray curls she wore at her temples.
Then Rose, brushing away at the scanty back-liair,
led skilfully up to the crisis of her tale by describing
Phebe's panic and brave eiforts to conquer 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 Aunt Plenty was full of in-
terest, sympathy, and approbation ; but when Rose
added, as if it was quite a matter of course, " So, on
the way home, he told her he loved her," a great start
twitched the gray locks out of her hands as the old
lady turned round, with the little curls standing erect,
exclaiming, in undisguised dismay, —
" Not seriously. Rose ? "
" Yes, Aunty, very seriously. He never jokes about
such things."
" Mercy on us ! what shall v e do about it ?"
" Nothing, ma'am, but be as glad as we ought, and
congratulate him as soon as si u 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 sho belonged to one of our best iamilies, and I
don't blame her."
"t
BREAKERS AHEAD.
151
le proposed
lar, because
3 won't get
:o have the
m, and your
}nty, briskly
3r temples.
by back-liair,
y describing
:juer it ; all
how Steve
Ic his place.
s full of in-
when Rose
rse, " So, on
\ great start
5 as the old
mding erect,
• jokes about
it?"
e ought, and
at once ? "
ler as kindly
.milies, and I
"I'm glad the girl has so much sense. Of course
we can't do any thing of tlie sort ; and I 'm surprised
at Archie's forgetting what lie owes to the family in
this rash manner. Give me my cap, child: I inust
speak to Alec at once." And Aunt Plenty twisted
her hair into a button at the back of her head with
one energetic twirl.
"Do speak kindly, Aunty, and remember that it was
not Phebe's fault. She never thought of this till very
lately, and began at once to prepare for going away,"
said Rose, pleadingly.
" She ougiit to have gone long ago. I told Myra
we should have trouble scmewhere as soon as I saw
what a good-looking creature she was; and here it is
as bad as can be. Dear, dear ! why can't young people
have a little prudence ? "
"I don't see that any one need object if Uncle Jem
and Aunt Jessie approve ; and I do think it will bo
very, very unkind to scold poor Phebe for being well-
bred, pretty, and good, after doing all we could to make
her so."
"Child, you don't understand these things yet; but
you ought to feel your duty toward your family, and
do all you can to keep the name as honorable as it
always has been. What do you suppose our blessed
ancestress. Lady Marget, would say to our oldest boy
taking a wife from the poor-house ? "
As she spoke, Miss Plenty looked up, almost appre.
Pensively, at one of the wooden-faced old portraits
!
1 1 '
!l. I
152
ROSE IN BLOOM.
with which her room was hung, as if asking pardon
of the severe-nosed matron, Avho stared back at her
from under the sort of blue dish-cover which formed
lier head-gear.
" As Lady Marget died about two hundred years
ago, I don't care a pin what she wouhl 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, who wouldn't hurt a fly,
much less a good and faithful girl who has been a
sister to me. Would she ? " entreated Rose, knowing
well that the elder aunt led all the rest more or less.
But Miss Plenty had her cap on now, and conse-
quently felt herself twice the woman she was without
it ; so she not only gave it a somewhat belligerent air
by setting it well up, but she shook her head decidedly,
smoothed down her stiff white apron, and stood up as
if ready for battle.
" I shall do my duty, Rose, and expect the same of
others. Don't say any more now : I must turn the
matter over in my mind ; for it has come upon me sud-
denlyj and needs serious consideration."
With which unusually solemn address, she took up
her keys and trotted away, leaving her niece to follow
with an anxious countenance, uncertain whether her
championship had done good or ill to the cause she
had at heart.
She was much cheered by the sound of Phebe's voice
iking pardoti
back at her
/hich formed
Lindred years
y ; especially
led, liaughty
Miss Plenty
le, generous,
t hurt a fly,
) has been a
ose, knowing
ore or less.
/■, and conse-
was without
Blligerent air
ad decidedly,
stood up as
the same of
ust turn the
upon me sud-
she took up
ece to follow
wh(3ther her
Jie cause she
Phebe's voice
BREAKERS AHEAD. l.^JJ
in the study; for Rose was sure that if Uncle Alec
Avas on their side all would be well. But the clouds
lowered again when they eame in to breakfast • for
Phebe's heavy eyes and pale cheeks did not look en-
^ couraging; Avhile Dr. Alec was as sober as a judge
and sent an inquiring glance toward Kose now and'
• I then as if curious to discover how she bore the news
I An uncomfortable meal, though all tried to seem 'is
' usual, and talked over last night's events with all the
, . interest they could. But the old peace was disturbed
I by a word, as a pebble thrown into a quiet pool sends
tell-tale cn-cles rippling its surface far and wider. A unt
'^ 1 lenty, while "turning the subject over in her miu.i "
also secmied intent on upsetting every thing she
touched, and made sad havoc in her tea-tray ; Dr
I Alec unsociably read his paper; Rose, having salted
:^ instead of sugared her oatmeal, absently ate it feeling
, to the sweetness had gone out of every thing; and
^ Phebe, atter choking down a cup of tea and crun.blin.
I a roll, excused herself, and went away, sternly resolving
^ not to be a bone of contention to this beloved family
^ As soon as the door was sh.it. Rose pushed away
Iher plate and going to Dr. Alec peeped over the
1 irorce""' '"'^ '" '"'''"' ^'""" '^'' ^^' ^''' '' ^^«^"'
"IJncle, this is a serious matter, and loe must take
four stand at once; for you are Phebe's guardian an.l
iC!::^!r!:'^-,^-^-^^^l-tysolen
You have often been disappointed
iitiii
t-y.
in me," she con-
i"^
trnttmum ^immm
i
154
EOSE iN BLOOM.
tinned, " but I know I never shall b i in you ; because
you are too wise and good to let any worldly pride
or prudence spoil your sympathy with Archie and our
Phebe. You won't desert the in, will you ? "
" Never ! " ansv^'^ered Dr. Alec, with gratifying energy.
"Thanl. you! thank you !" cried Rose. "Now, if
I have you and aunty on my side, I 'ni not afraid of
anybody."
" Gently, gently, child I don't intend to desert
the lovers ; but I certainly shall advise them to con-
sider well what they are about. I '11 own I am rather
disappointed ; because Archie is young to decide his
life in this way, and Phebe's career seemed settled in
another fashion. Old people don't like to have their
plans upset, you know," he added, more lightly ; for
Rose's face fell as he went on.
" Old people shouldn't plan too much for the young
ones then. We are very grateful, I 'ra sure ; but we
cannot always be disposed of in the most prudent and
sensible way ; so don't set your hearts on little arrange-
ments of that sort, I beg," and Rose looked wondrous
wise ; for she could not help suspecting even her best
uncle of " plans " in her behalf.
" 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 the lovers, he added
kindly, —
" I was much pleased with the straightforward way
in which Phebe came to me this morning, and told me
BREAKERS AHEAD.
155
you ; because
worldly pride
Lrchie and our
.u?"
tifying energy,
^se. "Now, if
1 not afraid of
end to desert
them to con-
n I am rather
to decide his
ned settled in
to have their
re lightly; for
for the young
sure ; but we
it prudent and
little arrange-
►ked wondrous
even her best
yet it is very
:h a conscious
ers, he added
itforward way
g, and told me
all about it, as if I really was her guardian. She did
not own it in words : but it was perfectly evident that
she loves Archie with all her heart ; yet, knowing the
objections which will be made, very sensibly'' and
bravely proposes to go away at once, and end the mat-
ter,— as if tliat were possible, poor child," and the
tender-hearted man gave a sigh of sympathy that did
Rose good to hear, and mollified her rising indignation
at the bare idea of ending Phebe's lovc affairs in sucli
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."
" uncle ! surely we have ! Our Phebe, whc . we
all love so much."
« You forget that she is a woman now, and we have
no claim upon her. Because M'e 've befriended her for
years is the very reason we should not make our bene-
fits a Durden, but leave her free; and, if she .hooses
to do this in spite of Archie, we must let her with a
God-speed."
T^' - . Rose could answer, Aunt Plenty spoke out
i'' .' oar saving authority ; for old-fashioned ways were
d - to her soul, and she thought even love affairs
should be conducted with a proper regard to the
..powers that be.
I " The family must talk the matter over and decide
What IS best for the children, who of course will listen
156
ROSE IN BLOOM.
to reason and do notliing ill-ndviscd. For my part. I
am quite upset by the news, but shall not, commit
myself till I 'vc seen Jessie and the boy. Jane, clear
away, and brin? riie the hot water."
That ended the niornii)<'; conference ; and, leaving
the old lady to soothe her iwnd hy polisf ing spoons
and washing cups, Rose weuv iwny to find Phebe,
while the doctor retired to laui/.u over the downfall of
brother Mac's match-making schemes.
The Campbells did not gossip about their concerns
in public ; but, being n very united family, it had long
been the custom to " talk over " any interesting event
which occurred to any member thereof, and every one
gave his or lies- opinion, advice, or censure with the
utmost candor. Therefore the first engagement, if
such it could be called, created a great sensation,
among the aunts especially; and they were in as much
of a flutter as a flock of maternal birds when their
young begin to hop out of the nest. So at all hours
the excellent ladies were seen excitedly nodding their
caps together, as they discussed the affair in all its
bearings, without ever arriving at any unanimous de-
cision.
The boys took it much more calmly. Mac was the
only one who came out strongly ^n Archie's favor.
Charlie thought the Chief ought do better, and
called Phebe " a siren, who had bewitched the sage
youth." Steve was scandalized, and delivered long
orations upon one's duty to society, keeping the old
BREAKERS AHEAD.
157
or my part, I
not commit
. Jano, clear
and, leaving
siiing spoons
find Phebe,
e downfall of
leir concerns
y, it had long
'estiiioc event
nd every one
lire with the
gagoment, if
at sensation,
re in as much
3 when their
at all hours
lodding their
"air in all its
nanimous de-
Mac was the
rchie's favor.
) better, and
lied the sage
elivered long
jping the old
name up, and the danger of mesalliances ; while all the
tune he secretly sympathized witli Archie, being much
smitten with KiUy Van himself. Will and Geordie
unfortunately home for the holidays, considered it » a
joll}- lark;" and little Jamie nearly drove his elder
brother distracted by curious inquiries as to "how
folks felt when they were in love."
Uncle Mac's dismay was so comical that it kept Dr
Alec m good spirits; for he alone knew how deep was
t le deluded man's chagrin at the failure of the little
plot which he fancied was prospering finely.
"I '11 never set my heart on any thing of the sort
agam; andthe young rascals may marry whom they
like. I m prepared for any thing now : so if Steve
brings home the washerwoman's daughter, and Mac
.runs away with our pretty chamber-maid, I shall say,
I Bless you my children,' with mournful resignation
.Jfor, upon my soul, that is all that 's left for a modern
Iparent to do."
With which tragic burst, poor Uncle Mac washed
Hs hands .of re whole affair, and buried himself in
Mie countmg-house while the storm rao-ed
About this time, Archie might hav^^ echoed Rose's
^ ^ ^b wish, that she had not quite so many aunts ;
-# the tongues of those interested relatives made sad
^^rveml ? 'f" ''""""^^' ^"^ «^^^^«^^ ^-^ *« lo"g
-e ly for a c^sert island, where he co.id woo and
^ . ^.s love in delicious peacn. That nothing of the
^^- ^vas possible soon became evident; since every
i
158
ROSE IN BLOOM.
word uttered only confirmed Phebe's resolution to go
aAvay, and proved to Rose how mistaken she had been
in believing that she could bring every one 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 head against a wall
to try and convince them that Archie was wise in lov-
ing poor Phebe. His mother, who had hoped to have
Rose for her daughter,— not because of her fortune, but
the tender affection she felt for her, — put away her dis-
appointment without a word, and welcomed Phebe as
kindly as she could for her boy's sake. But the girl
felt the truth with the quickness of a nature made
sensitive by love, and clung to her resolve all the more
tenaciously, though gratefid for the motherly words
that would 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 people would
say " if one of " our boys " married a nobody's daugh-
ter. And Aunt Myra not only seconded her views by
painting portraits of Phebe's unknown relations in the
darkest colors, but uttered direful prophecies regard-
ing the disreputable beings who would start up in
swarms the moment the girl made a good match.
These suggestions so wrought upon Aunt Plenty
that she turned a deaf ear to the benevolent emotions
BREA KERS A HE A D.
159
solution to go
fcslie had been
ne to her way
and the good
ntiful supply :
against a wall
as wise in lov-
hoped to have
er fortune, but
: away her dis-
ned Phebe as
But the girl
nature made
e all the more
otherly words
line happiness
3, and advised
Fessie." Aunt
; people would
Dbody's daugli-
il her views by
•elations in the
)hecies regard-
d start up in
jood match.
Aunt Plenty
olent emotions
native to her l^reast, and taking refuge behind « our
blessed ancestress, Lady Marget," refused to sanction
iiny engagement which could bring discredit upon the
Itainless name which was her pride.
So it all ended where it began ; for Archie steadily
refused to listen to any one 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
•very hour showed her that her instinct had been a
tone one, and pride would not let her stay, though
fove pleaded eloquently. So, after a Christmas any
^ing but merry, Phebe packed her trunks, rich in
gifts finm those who generously gave her all but the
<jne thing she desired ; and, with a pocketful of letters
to people who could further her plans, she went away
to seek her fortune, with a brave face and a very heavy
Iieart.
_ " Write often, and let me know all you do, my
Ihebe ; and remember I shall never be contented till
f)u come back again," whispered Rose, clinging to her
,|pi the last.
I" She will come back ; for in a year I 'm going to
%mg her home, please God," said Archie ..ale with the
»m of parting, but as resolute as she.
P"I'll earn my welcome: then perhaps it will be
|sier for them to give and me to receive it," answered
|iebe, with a backward glance at the ,.roup of caps
•«M
160
ROSE IN BLOOM.
\ :l
i
i
I
ill the hall, as she went down the steps on Dr. ^l '
arm.
" You earned it long ;vgo, and it is always waiting
for you while I ara hcrj. Remember that, and God
bless you, my good girl," he said, with a paternal kiss
that warmed her he u'u.
" I never shall forgef it ! " and Phebe never did.
CHAPTER IX.
NEW-YEAR'S CALLS.
(C
"VTOW I 'm going to turn over a new leaf, is I
•^ ^ promised. I wonder wh. , I biiall fiuu on
the next page ? " said Rose, coming down on New-
Year's morning, with a serious face, uua a thick lettci'
in her hand.
"Tired of frivolity, my dear?" asked her uriO>',
pausing, in his walk up and down the hall, glan
at her with the quick, bright look she liked b :
into his eyes.
" No, sir, and that 's the sad part of it ; but I 've
made up my mind to stop while I can, because I 'iii
sure it is not good for me. I 've had some very sober
thoughts lately ; for, since my Phebe went away, I 've
had no heart for gayety : so ii is a good place to stop
^'LlV-VEAItS CALLS.
161
eps on Dr. ^ 1 '
is always waiting
iY that, and God
b a paternal kias
be never did.
a new leaf, is I
I biiall fin a on
; down on Ncm-
xud a thick letter
asked her ul ■,
lie hall, j^lance
le liked - b x
) of it ; but I 've
can, because I 'm
some very sober
went away, I 've
ood place to stop
™,1 make a fresh .tart," answered Ra»e, taking hi,
arm, and walking on witli him
"An exoelient tin.e! N„w, how are yon goi„. to
ni eacI„ngvoid?"hen,ked,weIl,,,LJ °
By trymg to be as nnselfish, brave, and good as
»l- .»•• An., Itee held t„. letter against hefboson
iKT wuh a desire to be as Self-reliant " r ',..
..t abont living in earnest, as She',::; thglfr:;?;,:
T',,, ,1- , ' ■n^i'":'! out for her
1 m n«,l„ng h„t :, ..„n„„on.j,la.. sort of gir,, with no
e.Hl of relations to be consnl .J every thne T 7
»"■' a dreadful fortnne han.i... like il "" '
«....eck,toweighmedo;nlf'ttry:'rVra'
iiiid case, uncle, and r o-M !„,„ • .' " '* »
tl.iuk about it," s Id Rot "" T"" "''^■" ^
Wessings. ' ''P1"-<''»<'J '"ti' her
"Afflicted chil.1! how can 1 relieve you?" And
"P,er:r-7T' ""= ■"'■"' -p- W« -m.
.i.|o.ishn,er::ri::nh^„?,:rhr::r"-"
^ , mstead of doing gre.t things."
ie*i::rx ""''""• ^--^ownwith
^- iuijung, and see vom- I.onop.. ni.
^^'ady, and Mrs. Garder- ' " - ^''^' '"'"^ ^^^
has half u dozen
11
poor souls
■^
162
HOSE IN 111.00 M.
we™ he docto,, „n,.„„t,y, g,ad to get his girf'back
•.g.nn though not »ur,,nse,l th„t .he still looked with
l^^-etful eye, at the Vanity Fair, always so enticin,
when we are young. "
one to those ,,o„r souls at least. I •„. so sorry that i I
help Aunty Pl,.n rece.ve. We haven't been here for
^o long that she has set her heart on having a grand
tune tcday; and I partienlarly want to fLse her,
b cause I have not been as amiable as I ou,ht lately
I aly couldn^ forgive her for siding against Phebe."
no bl me her. I a,n going to n.ake my New-Year's
I 11 get the hst of names from Mrs. G., and tell the
poor lad>es with Miss Can.pbell's eonrpliments, that
their new home is ready. Shall I'i"
"Yes, unelo, but take all the credit to yourself; for
I never should have thought of it if y„„ had not pro-
posed the plan." ^
"Bless your heart! I'm only your agent, and sug.
gest 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 sub-
stance all aw.ay as generously as you do your advice.
Never mmd: you si, !1 never con.e to want while I
.ve. I 11 save enough for us two, though I do make
dncks and drakes of my forfnne,' "
NEW-YEABS CALLS.
163
Ijc word," an-
il is girl back
1 looked with
3 80 enticing
year a hap])y
arry that it 's
know I must
3en here for
iiig a grand
please her,
Juglit lately,
nst Phebe."
so we must
^ew- Year's
n that way,
md tell the
ments, that
Jurself; for
ad not pi-o-
it, and sug-
but advice :
I your sub-
)ur advice.
lit while I
I do make
Dr. Alec laughed at the toss of the head with which
«he quoted Charlie's offensive words, then offered to
take the letter, saying, as he looked at his watch _
"I '11 post that for you in time for the early mail J
like a run before breakfast."
But Rose heM her lett.,- fa.t, ,li,„pli„g with «,„|,le„
smiles, half merry and half shy.
"No, tha„k yo„, sir: Archie likes to Jo that, and
»ever f,„b to call for all I write. He gets a peep at
Phcbe. m return, and I cheer him „p a bit; for,
though he says nothing, he has a har.l ti,ne of it, poor
" How many letters in five days ? "
J^Vp sir, to me : she doesn't write to him,
"As yet. Well, you show hers: so it's all riaht ■
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
01,1 Miss aampbell was nearly as gre.at a favorite as
young Miss Cam,,bell; so a succession of black coats
and whue gloves flowe.l in and out of the hospitable
mansion pretty steadily all day. The elan were out in
Z7l7; T °"'T ^' """■''"""*' *° P-y "'^'^ duty
10 Aunt Plenty, and wish the compliments of the sea-
saTV r'.r"""" ^"'"^ '*P^^-^^ fl.-st, looking
d t steadfast, and went away with Phebe's letter
^" his left breast-pocket; feeling that life wa.- .till en.
a-abl
e, though his love was torn from him
for Rose
I ■
r *r
fi. •
164
ROSE IN BLOOM.
had inaiiy comfortable things to say, and read him
delicious bits from the voluminous correspondence
lately begun.
Hardly Mas he gone, when Will and Geordie came
marching in, looking as fine as gray uniforms with
much scarlet piping could make them, and feeling
pecuharly important, as this was their first essay in
New- Year's call-making. Brief Avas their stay, for
they planned to visit every friend they had ; and
Rose could not helj) laughing at the droll mixture of
manly dignity an<l boyish delight with which they
drove off in their own carriage, both as erect as ram-
rods, arms folded, and caps stuck at exactly the same
angle on each blonde head.
" Here comes the other couple, — Steve, in full
feather, with a big bouquet for Kitty ; and poor Mac,
looking like a gentleman and feeling like a martyr,
I 'm sure," said Hose, watching one carriage turn in as
the other turned out of the great gate, with its arch
of holly, ivy, and evergreen.
" Here he is : I 've got him in tow for the day, and
want you to cheer him up with a word of praise ; for
he came without a struggle, though planning to bolt
somewhere with uncle," cried Steve, falling back to
display his brother, who came in, looking remarkably
well in his state and festival array ; for polishing began
to tell.
"A happy New Year, aunty ; same to you, cousin,
r'ishes for as manv more
%
any
you
vith its iircli
NEW-FEylirs CALLS.
165
sind Mae, heeding Steve no more than if he had been
a fly, as he gave th.o old lady a hearty kiss, and offered
K080 a quaint little nosegay of i)ansie8,
" Heart's-ease : do you think I need it?" she asked,
looking up with sudden sobriety.
" We all do. Could I give you any thing better on
a day like this?"
" Xo : thank you very much," and a sudden dew
came to Kose's ey(>s; for, though often blunt in speech
when ]\rac did do a tender thing, it always touched
her; because he seemed to understand her moods so
well.
"Has Archie been here? He said he shouldn't go
nnywhere else ; but I hope you talked that nonsense
out of his head," said Steve, settling his tie before the
mirror.
"Yes, dear, became; but looked so out of spirits,
T really felt reproached. Rose cheered him up a little '
hut I don't believe he will feel equal to making calls
and I hope he won't; for his face tells the whole story
much too i)lainly," answered Aunt Plenty, rustlino-
ahout her bountiful table in her richest black silk, with
all her old lace on.
"Oh, he '11 get over it in a month or two, and Phebe
will soon find another lover ; so don't be worried abo.it
'"H, aunty," said Steve, with the air of a man who
knew all about that sort of thino-
kn
If Archie does for
get, I shall dc!
jpise him; and I
..>. .v..g..t., a «ii.ui <!espise mm; and 1
ow Phebe won't try to find another lover, though
l(:^
i
.!
;
111
1
I
F
166
ROSE IN BLOOM.
P II
she '11 probfibly have them : she is so sweet and good ! "
cried Rose, indignantly ; for, having taken the pair
under her protection, 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 were his 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 till they made you relent, or plainly
proved that it was no use."
"If they were good as well as constant, I think I
should relent in time."
" I '11 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 ten years' wait or not," put
in Steve, who liked to rally Rose about her lovers.
" I '11 never forgive you if you say a word to any one.
It is only Mac's odd way of asking questions, and I
ought not to answer them. You will talk about such
things, and I can't stop you ; but I don't like it," said
Rose, much annoyed.
" Poor little Penelope ! she shall not be teased about
her suitors, but left in peace till her Ulysses comes
home," said Mac, sitting down to read the mottoes
sticking cut of certain fanciful bonbons on the table.
"It is this fuss about Archie which has demoralized
us all. Even the owl waked up, and hasn't got over
W:
NE W- YEA PCS CA LLS.
167
ind good ! "
n the pair
liantly.
hope, and
;ting on his
his especial
, having if
and work
:, or plainly
, I think I
seemed to
I hira good,
r not," put
lovers,
to any one.
ions, and I
ibout such
ke it," said
*ased about
sses comes
le mottoes
he table,
emoralized
?t got over
the excitement yet, you see. He 's had no experience,
poor fellow; so he doesn't know how to behave,"
observed Steve, regarding his bouquet with tender
interest.
» That 's true ; and I asked for information, because
r may be in love myself some day, and all this will be
useful, don't you see ? "
« You in love ! " and Steve could not restrain a
laugh at the idea of the bookworm a slave to the ten-
der passion.
Quite unruffled, Mac leaned his chin in both hands,
regarding them with a meditative eye, and he answered
in his whimsical way, —
" Why not ? I intend to study love as well as medi-
cine ; for it is one of the most mysterious and remark-
able diseases that afflict mankind, and the best way
to understand it is to have it. I may catch it some
day, and then I should like to know how to treat and
cure it."
"If you take it as badly as you did measles and
hooping-cough, it will go 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 the greatest we c know, I believe
except death." '
Something in Mac's quiet tone and thoughtful eyes
made Rose look at him in surprise ; for she had never
lieard him speak in that way before. Steve also
staled for an instant, equally amazed ; then said below
his breath, with an air of mock anxiety, —
t
li
iii**^
IliiaBlllilHIIIiltHp
168
ROSE IN BLOOM.
i; i
"He's been catcliing something at the liospital,
typhoid ]>robably, and is beginning to wander. I '11
take him quietly away before he gets any wihler.
Come, old hinalic, we must be off."
" Don't be alarmed : I 'm all right and much obliged
for your advice ; for I fancy I shall be a desperate
lover when my time comes, if it ever does. You don't
think it impossible, do you ?" and JMac put the question
so soberly that there was a general smile.
"Certainly not: you '11 be a regular Douglas, tender
and true," answered Rose, wondering what queer ques-
tion would come next.
« Thank you. The fact is, I 've been with Archie
so much in his trouble lately that I 've got interested
in this matter, and very naturally want to investigate
the subject as every rational man must, sooner or later :
th.at 's all. Now, Steve, I 'm ready," and Mac got up
as if the lesson was over.
« My dear, that boy is either a fool or a genius, and
I 'm sure I should be glad to know which," said Aunt
Plenty, putting her bonbons to rights with a puzzled
shake of her best cap.
" Time will show ; but I incline to think that- he is
not a fool by any means," answered the girl, pulling a
cluster of white roses out of her bosom to make room
for the pansies, though they did not suit the blue gown
half so well.
Just then Aunt Jessie came in to help them receive,
with Jamie to make himself generally useful ; which
?
%
le Iiosj>it:il,
uidcr. I '11
MTiy wilder.
uch obliged
1 desperate
You don't
he question
?las, tender
queer ques-
ith Archie
i interested
investigate
er or later :
lac got up
jenius, and
said Aunt
a puzzled
that- he is
, pulling a
lake room
blue gown
ni receive,
ul ; which
JVEW-YEA irs CA LLS.
169
he proceeded to do by hovering round the table like a
fly about a honey-pot, when not flattening his nose
against the window-panes, to announce \xcitedly,
" Here 's another man coming up the drive ! "
Charlie arrived next, in his most sunshiny humor •
for any thing social and festive was his delio-ht and
when in this mood the Prince was quite irresistible
He brought a pretty bracelet for Rose, and was gra-
ciously allowed to put it on, while she chid him gently
for his extravagance.
"I am only following your example ; for, you know
'nothmg is too good for those we love, and living
away is the best thing one can do,'" he retorted, quot
ing words of her own.
" I wish you would follow my example in some
other things as well as you do in this," said Rose,
soberly, as Aunt Plenty called him to come and see if
the punch was right.
« Must conform to the customs of society. Aunty's
heart would be broken, if we did not drink her health
in the good old fnshion. But don't be alarmed : I 'ye
a strong head of my own, and that 's lucky ; for I phail
need it before I get through," laughed Charlie, srow
ing a long list, as he turned away to gratify the ,Aa
lady with all sorts of merry and affectionate compli-
ments as the gbtsses touched.
Rose did feel rather alarmed ; for, if he drank tlie
liealth of all the owners of those r-ames, she folt .ure
that Charlie would need a very strong head indeed
1
' IV
I'-
i
r:\
i
* ■
• 1
It I ,
^IV
!■!
170
ROSE IN BLOOM.
It was hard to say any thing, then and there, without
seeming disrespect t) Aunt Plenty : yet she longed to
remind her cousin of the example she tried to set him
in this respect ; for Rose never touched wine, and the
b.ys knew it. She was thoughtfully turning the
bracelet with its pretty device of turquoise forget-me-
nots, when the giver came back to her, still bul)bling
over with good spirits.
" Dear little saint, you look as if you'd like to smash
all the punch-bowls in the city, and save us jolly young
fellov's from to-morrow's headache."
" I should ; for such headaches sometimes end in
hea.'-taches, I'm afraid. Dear Charlie, don't be angry;
but you know better than I that this is a dangerous
day for such as you : so do be careful for my sake,"
she added, wnth an unwonted touch of tenderness in
her voice; for, looking at the gallant figure before her,
it was impossible to repress the womanly longing to
keep it always as brave and blithe as no^-.
Charlie saw that new softness in tlie eyes that never
looked unkindly on him, fancied that it meant more
than it did, and, with a sudden fervor in his own voice,
answered quickly, —
"My darling, I will!
The slow which had risen to his face was reflected
in hers ; for at that moment it seemed as if it would
be possible to love this cousin, who was so willing to
be led by her, and so much needed some helpful infllu-
ence to make a noble man of him. The thought cnuie
NEW-YEAWS CALLS.
171
ire, M'ithont
e longe<l to
I to set him
ne, and the
urning the
I forojet-me-
ill buljbling
ke to smash
jolly young
mes en<l in
t be angry ;
L dangerous
r my sake,"
nderness in
before her,
longing to
w .
i that never
neant more
i own voice,
as reflected
if it wouM
o willing to
elpful influ-
I ought came
tf
and went like a flash; but gave her a qui-k heart-
throb, as if the old affection was trembling on the
verge of some warmer sentiment, and left her with a
sense of responsibility never felt before. Obeying the
impulse, she said, with a pretty blending of earnestness
and playfulness, —
" If I wear the bracelet to remember you by, you
nuist wear this to remind you of your promise."
"And you," whispei-ed Charlie, bending his head to
kiss the hands that put a little white rose in his but-
ton-hole.
Just at that most interesting moment, they became
aware of an arrival in the front drawing-room, whither
Aunt Plenty had discreetly retired. Rose felt grateful
for the interruption ; because, not being at all sure of
the state of her heart as yet, she was afraid of lettino-
a sudden impulse lead her too far. But Charlie, con-
scious thnt a very propitious instant had been spoilt
regarded the newcomer with any thing but a be-
nignnnt expression of countenance ; and whispering,
"Good-by, my Rose, I shall look in this evening to see
how you are after the fatigues of the day," he went
away, with such a cool nod to poor Fun See that the
amiable Asiatic thought he must have mortally of-
tended him.
Rose had little leisure to analyse the new emotions
ot which she was conscious : for Mr. Tokio came up
at once to make his cimnHmor.tm TyiH- -^ -- ^ •
-r •'^ Willi a cuiuicai mm-
gimg of Chinese courtesy and American awkwardness;
f t -
ft
172
ROSE IN BLOOM.
1 -■■!
and before he had got his hat on Jamie shonted with
admiring energy, —
" Here 's another ! Oh, such a swell ! "
They now came thick and fast for many hours ; and
the ladies stood bravely at their posts till late into the
evening. Then Aunt Jessie went home, escorted by
a very sleepy little son, and Aunt Plenty retired to
bed used up. Dr. Alec had returned in good season ;
for his friends were not fnshi<mable ones : but Aunt
Myra had sent up for him in hot haste, and he had
good-naturedly obeyed the summons. In fact, he
was quite used to them now ; for Mrs. Myra, having
tried a variety of dnngerous diseases, had finally de-
cided upon heart-complaint as the one most likely to
keep her friends in a chronic state of anxiety, and was
continually sending word that she was dying. One
get-s used to palpitations ns well as every thing else ;
so the doctor felt no alarm, but always went, and pre-
scribed some harmless remedy with the most anaiable
sobriety and patience.
Rose was tire*!, but not sleepy, and wanted to think
over several things ; so instead of going to bed she sat
down before the open fire in the study to wait for her
uncle, and perhaps Charlie, though she did not expect
him so late.
Aunt Myra's palpitations must have been unusually
severe ; for the clock struck twelve before Dr. Alec
came, and Rose was preparing to end her reverie,
when the sound of some one fumbling at the hall-door
made her jump up, saying to herself, —
"%
NEW-YEAR'S CALLS.
173
houted with
hours ; and
ate into the
2scortcd by
' retired to
5od season ;
: but Aunt
and he had
Ln fact, lie
yra, having
finally de-
st likely to
y, and was
'ing. One
thing else ;
t, and pre-
>st amiable
;d to think
bed she sat
ait for hei
not expect
unusually
! Dr. Alec
?r reverie,
3 hall-door
"Poor man ! his hands are so cold lie can't get his
latch-key in. Js that you, uncle?" she added, running
to admit him; for Jane was slow, and the night as bit-
ter a.s it was brilliant.
A voice answered « Yes," and as the door swung
open in walked, -not Dr. Alec, but Charlie, who im-
mediately took one of the hall chairs, and sat there
with his hat on, rubbing his gloveless hands, and blink-
ing as if the light <lazzled him, as he said in a rapid,
abrupt sort of tone, —
"1 told you I'd come — left the fellows keeping it
u]> gloriously -going to see the old year out, you
know. But I i)romised — never break my word — and
liore I am. Angel in blue, did you slay your thou-
sands?"
"Hush! the waiters are still about: come to the
study fire and warm yourself ; you must be f i-ozen,"
said Rose, going before to roll up the easy-chair.
"Not at all— never warmer — looks very comforta-
h\v, though. Where 's uncle ? " asked Charlie, follow-
ing with his hat still on, his hands in his pockets, and
his eye fixed steadily on the bright head in front of
him.
" Aunt Myra sent for him, and I was waiting up to
so« how she was," answered Rose, busily mending the
fire.
Charlie laughed, and sat down upon a corner of the'"
library table. "Poor old soul! uhah a pit" .she
doesn't die before he is (juite worn out. A litt/e too
Vi i
s i
xmr^
174
EOSE IN BLOOM.
I
m ill 111,
U
much ether some of these times would send her off
quite comfortably, you know."
" Don't speak in tliat way. Uncle says imaginary
troubles are often as hard to bear as real ones," said
Rose, turning round di8])k'ased.
Till now she had not fairly looked at him ; for recol-
lections of the morning made her a little shy. His
attitude and appearance surprised her as much as his
words, and the quick change in her face seemed to
remind him of his manners. Gettin^r up, he hastily
took off his hat, and stood looking a ^^ v with a curi-
ously fixed yet absent look, as h<: «(ud in the same
rapid, abrupt way, as if, when once started, he found
it hard to stop, —
" I beg pardon — only joking— very bad taste I know,
and won't do it again. The heat of the room makes
me a little dizzy, and I think I got a chill coming out.
It is cold — I am frozen, I dare say — though I drove
like the devil."
" Not that bad horse of yours, I hope ? I know it
is dangerous, so late and alone," said Rose, shrinking
behind the big chair, as Charlie approached the fire^
carefully avoiding a footstool in his way,
"Danger is exciting — that 's why I like it. No
man ever called me a coward — let him try it once. I
never give in — and that horse shall not conquer me.
I '11 break his neck, if he breaks iny spirit doing it.
No — I don't mean that — never mind — it's all right,"
and Charlie laughed in a way tliat troubled lier, be-
cause there was no mirth in it.
r-
hf S\n
send her off
^8 imaginary
il ones," said
n ; for recol-
le shy. His
much as his
3 seemed to
), he hastily
with a curi-
in the same
d, he found
;aste I know,
room makes
coming out.
ugli I drove
I know it
i, shrinking
ed the fire,
ke it. No
it once. I
onquer me.
t doing it.
s all right,"
ed her, be-
'Si;
NEfV-VEARS CALLS.
175
Have you had a pleasant .lay ? " asked Rose, look-
-ng at h,„. .ntently, as he stood pondering ov^r the
c.gar an,l ma.cl, which he held, a, if doub,f:i which to
strike and which to smoke.
" '^"^ ^ "'';. y'"-'' '■•"P"'-''- About two thousand call,
".'"' " """' ''"'-^ »"M«'- It the Club. Rand-,1 can't
«.ng any more than a c-ow ; but I loft hin. with a .la,,
of champagne upside-down trying to give them „y
old favorite,— ^
""Tis 1 otter to laugh than be sighing ; '"
and Ch,a,-lic burs, forth in that bacchanalian melody
a the top of h,s voice, waving an allumette-holdor
over h.s head to .-epresent Randal's inverted wini:
glilSS.
"Hnsh! you'Ilwake aunty," cried Rose, in atone
- comn,a„d,„g that he broke o« in the middle If a
™»«* to stare at her with a blank look, as he s id
apologetically,— ' "« »•»"'
" I w,as merely showing how it should be done. Don't
angry dearest-look at me as yon did this morn," g
nd I I swear never to sing another note if y„u say s^
onu J, ,„„1 they all congratulated me. Told 'em i,
you alwajs forgive me in the sweetest w.ay Do it
"<-y. and don't he an.rv. little darling ; " „,„, ^ "
th
e V
ase, he went toward her with
a sudden
n^ent that made her shrink behind the chair,
ropping
excite-
i
n
n
.-• "
*ii
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)
v
m
/.
{/
<?
<.^ \"
%
i^<
z^-
:/.
(/.
Va
%
1.0
■^ 1^ 12.2
I.I
1 1.8
IL25 1 1.4
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
1.6
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
iV
:1^^
-^
-^
'%
176
ROSE IN BLOOM.
\r' t
She was not angry, but shocked and frightened ; for
she knew now Avliat the matter was, and grew so pnle
he saw it, and asked pardon before she could utter a
rebuke.
■" We '11 talk of that to-morrow : it is very late ; go
home, now, please, before uncle comes," she said, try-
ing to speak naturally ; yet betraying her distress by
the tremor of her voice, and the sad anxiety in her
eyes. '
" Yes, yes, I will go — you are tired — I '11 make it all
right to-morroAV ; " and, as if the sound of his uncle's
name steadied him for an instant, Charlie made for
the door with an unevenness of g.iit wliich would have
told the shameful truth, if his words had not already
done so. Before he reached it, however, the sound of
wheels arrested him ; and, leaning against the wall, he
listened with a look of dismay mingled with amuse-
ment creeping over his face. "Brutus has bolted —
now I am in a fix. Can't walk home with this horrid
dizziness in my head. It 's the cold. Rose, nothing
else, I do assure you ; and a chill — yes, a chill. See
here ! let one of those fellows there lend me an arm —
no use to go after that brute. Won't mother be fright-
ened though, when he gets home ? " and with that
empty laugh again, he fumbled for the door-handle.
" No, no : don't let them see you ! don't let any one
know ! Stay here till uncle comes, and he '11 take care
of you. O Charlie! how could you do it! how coukh
you when you promised?" and, forgetting fear in the
"A
^htened ; for
grew so pale
sould utter a
cry late ; go
jhe said, try-
■ distress by
xiety in her
'11 make it all
f his uncle's
ie made for
1 would have
not already
the sound of
t the wall, he
with amuse-
iias bolted —
1 this horrid
Lose, nothing
a chill. See
me an arm —
her be f right-
id with that
or-handle.
t let any one
3 '11 take care
, ! how could-
r fear in the
sudden sense of shan.e and anguish that came over
her. Rose ran to him, caught his hand from th i T
and turned the key th.n.. •/ , "" ^^^^ ^^^k,
t ic Kt-j , umi, as if she cou d not hpn.. +
see hmi standing there A.kh th., ^"^
not been too late. He looked .1. ',^'^^ '^ '^ ^ad
lie lookea about the room with a
vngue, despairing look ^s i^ to fi i .u
me;.t and reckless pledging „f „ h,^,^^^ '^ !™ «"
then. .„,k too wen to make instani sob et' po s:t
andownmg his defeat with a groan he tu™eT
™d threw hhnself face-downwJd on' tl e T „' I'^
-;-- Sights the new, ear looked':;;::::
As she Bat there with hidden eyes, Rose felt tj, ,
-methingdearto her was dead fo' e^f Th id'T
™f t be his in.>imi„:';a";;::tr r;^«
^; -..i. .he had not e„ter.ai:ed itl ir .L w'
Alas, how short the tender drean, had been, l„n' ™fj
12
'tI^B
,^'1
ll !
178
ROSE IN BLOOM.
the awakening ! how impossible it would be ever again
to surround that fallen figure with all the romance of
an innocent fancy, or gift it v/itli the high attributes
beloved bv a noble nature !
Breathing heavily in the sudden sleep that kindly
brought a brief oblivion of himself, he lay with
flushed cheeks, .disordered hair, and at his feet the
little rose, that never would be fresh and fair again,—
a pitiful contrast now to the brave, blithe young man
who went so gayly out tliat morning to be so iguo-
miniously overthrown at night.
Many girls would have made light of a trespass so
readily forgiven by the world ; but Kose had not yet
learned to offer temptation with a smile, and shut her
eyes to the weakness that makes a man a brute. It
always grieved or disgusted her to see it in others, ar'"
now it was very terrible 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 fill her
mind with dark forebodings for the future. So she
could only sit mourning for the Charlie that might
have been, while watching the Charlie that \vas, with
an ache at her heart which found no relief till, putting
her hands there as if to ease the pain, they touched
the pansies, faded, but still showing gold among the
sombre purple ; and then two great tears dropped on
them as she sighed, —
« Ah me ! 1 do need heart's-ease sooner than I
th.ouffht ! "
)e eA^er again
I romance of
5I1 attributes
that kindly
le lay with
his feet the
fair again, —
3 young man
» be so iguo-
a trespass so
had not yet
and shut her
a brute. It
n others, ar '^
it so near,
bad enough
v, and fill her
;ure. So she
B that might
hat was, with
f till, putting
they touched
d among the
s dropped on
)oner than I
I:
THE SAD AND SOBER PAST. 179 f
H.,- ..ncle's step made her .pri„g „,, „„, „,„„^^ \
doc, sl,ow,„gh,m such .„ altered face that he stop, d
short, jaculating in dismay,— topped
"Good heavens, child ! what 's the matter ?" addin.
.:n::^r!!dr;v"^^'»'-'>-^-''-."i:t:
"No, uncle: he is " vu^ «^ ij
;... word. h. .hispered, :^L Tl TCZ,^
"Be kind to him," and fled awnv f^ i '
--.a.«agreatd.,a:eh:rL::'rtrh„:r'
CHAPTER X
TH^. SAD -AND SOBER PART.
" H^'T. "'" ": '°*^ -''»' ^i" he say? can any
;erethet^,r:o:^rardtxr"^"
oLangod, becanse a trouble darkened it for her She
2 '»<> youug yet to know how possible it 'to fo,
^ "ot been so bright a day, wondered how
',
"i
*
i > :L
1 "
li
r
t
180
ROSE IN BLOOM.
her birds could sing with such shrill gayety, put no
ribbon in her hair, and said, as she looked at the re-
flection of her own tired face in the glass, —
" Poor thing ! you thought the new leaf would have
something pleasant 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 still be in the house made
her hurry to the door, to find Dr. Alec waiting for her
with his morning smile. She drew him in, and whis-
pered anxiously, as if .ume one lay dangerously ill
near by, —
" Is he better, uncle ? Tell me all about it : I can
bear it now."
Some men would have smiled at her innocent dis-
tress, and told her this wrs only what was to be ex-
pected and endured ; but Dr. Alec believed in the
pure instincts that make youth beautiful, desired to
keep them true, and hoped his girl would never learn
to look unmoved by pain and pity upon any human
being vanquished by a vice, no matter how trivial it
seemed, how venial it was held. So his fa<!e grew
grave, though his voice was cheerful as he answered, —
" All right, I dare say, by this time ; for sleep 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?"
f?^ety, put no
I at the re-
would have
3 been very
id and sober
spite of her
the sudden
house made
iting for her
n, and whis-
igerously ill
ut it : I can
nnocent dis-
as to be ex-
eved in the
1, desired to
I never learn
any human
)w trivial it
8 fa<;e grew
answered, —
r sleep is the
n home last
and I."
t, uncle?"
TH£ SAD AND SOBER I'AHT. 181
"Jnst slipped out of the log stu.ly.window, ™<1
gut h„n cann.ly off; f„.. the ai.- an.l ,„otio„, after a
da«h of cold water, brought him round, and he was
glad to be safely landed at home. His rooms are
below, you know, so no one was disturbed, and I left
him sleepmg mcely."
" '^^''"'' y"" "> '"™'i'" 8%1>«1 Rose. " And Brutus ?
weren t they frightened when he got back alone ? "
"Not at all: the sagacious beast went quietly to the
stable, and the sleepy groom asked no questions ; for
Cha, ,e often sends the horse round by himself when
.t ..late or stonny. Rest easy, dear : no eye but ours
aw the poor lad come and go, and we '11 forgive it for
love's sake," *=*
" Yes, but not forget it. I never can ; and he will
never be agam to me the Charlie I've been so proud
an^d fond of all these years. O uncle, such a pity 1 such
" Don't break your tender heart about it, child ; for
; IS not .ucurable, thank God I I don't make ligL of
It , but I am sure that under better influences Charlie
v.n redeem himself, because his impulses are good
»d th.s h,s only vice. I can hardly blame him fo^
what he ,s, because his mother did the harm. I de
Clare to you. Rose, I sometimes feel ,as if I must break
ut agamst that woman, and thunder in her ears t :'
she .s rummg the immortal soul for which she is
responsible to heaven." .
Dr. Alec seldom spoke in this way, and when he did it
182
ROSE IN BLOOM.
was rather awful ; for his indignation was of the right
eons sort, and nuicli thunder often rouses up a drowsy-
soul when hunshine has no effect. Rose liked it, and
sincerely wished Aunt Clara had been there to get the
benefit of the outbreak ; for she needed just such an
awakening from the self-indulgent dream in which she
lived.
" Do it, and save Charlie before it is too late ! " she
cried, kindling herself as she watched him ; for he
looked like a roused lion, as he walked about the room,
with his hand clenched and a spark in his eye, evi-
dently in desperate earnest, and ready to do almost
any thing.
" Will you help ? " he asked, stopping suddenly,
with a look that made her stand up straight and strong
as she answered with an eager voice, —
" I will."
" Then don't love him — yet."
That startled her ; but she asked steadily, though
her heart began to beat and her color to come, —
" Why not ? "
" Firstly, because no woman should give her happi-
ness into the keeping of a man without fixed principles ;
secondly, because the hope of being worthy 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 work of nearly four and twenty years.
You understand what I mean ? "
" Yes, sir,
4
1
b
oi the right
ip a drowsy
liked it, and
e to get the
just such an
n which she
> late ! " slie
im ; for he
it the room,
lis eye, evi-
> do ahnost
^ suddenly,
t and strong
iily, though
come, —
her happi-
l principles;
of you will
ng of mine,
id patience
enty years.
TIflJ SAD AND SOBER PART. 183
" ^''" >^^" '''y ' No ' when he asks you to say ' Ye. '
and wa,t a little for your happiness ? » "^ ''
" I 1 an."
"And will you?"
" I will."
"Then J'n satisfied, and a gro.t weight taken off
'"y lieart. I can't help secinr. ,1.,, „ " " "^
blino- when I thint J "^ «"''' ^"' ^^" ^''e'"-
you .o„,,^^„,i„„, ;;„,,;;:; j;;;;;;r--i>-.-'
They h.-id been standing with the widtl. f .i.
between then,, D,-. A,ec i:„Wn, v V .'l ' t "''■"
mando.. issning ovde,..,, Ro,,c like a weU d , S ?"
obediently receiving them- ,nd 17^ , '"■'™"'
c.ir . i-'i^^iii, .inu Doth wore the air nf
. Id.ers gettn,g .-eady for a battle, with the bracZ o
-;;:t:t:t::frtt'rr'''^™-^^
uiuieaa with a tender sort of xrravitv on i « i i ,
made her feel as if h. h. i , ^''^'^,'*^' '^"^^ ''^ ^^^^k that
rtei as it he had endou-ed her with the Y\o
tor.a cross for courage on the field
No more was said then;, for Aunt Plenty called
J^ m down, and the day's duties be^an LTT.
It , toi It set her to thinkini? of the d.,H. ^
onr'' Rplf ,-n 1^ • . * ""*^ "^"^ owes
She had plenty of tin,e for quiet .neditation that
daj, because every one was resting after yc.terdaPs
I Hi
n
i
i f
*
Im
7«
» M
184
ROSE IN BLOOM.
m ;
festivity ; and slie sat in lior little room planning out
a new year, so full of good works, grand successes, and
beautiful romances, that if it could have been realized
the Millennium would have begun. It was a great
comfort to lier, however, and lightened the long hours
haunted by a secret desire to know when Charlie
would come, and a secret fear of the first meeting.
She was sure he would be bowed down with humilia-
tion and repentance, and a struggle took place in her
mind between the pity she could not help feeling, and
the disapprobation she ought to show. She decided
to be gentle, but very frank ; to reprove, but also to
console, and try to improve the softened moment by
inspiring the culprit with a wish for all the virtues
Avhich make a perfect man.
This fond delusion grew quite absorbing, and her
mind was full of it as she sat watching the sun set
from her western window, and admiring with dreamy
eyes the fine effect of the distant hills clear and dark
against a daffodil sky, when the bang of a door made
her sit suddenly erect in her low chair, and say with a
catch in her breath, —
'* He is coming ! I must remember what I promised
uncle, and be very firm."
Usually Charlie announced his approach with music
of some sort : now he neither whistled, hummed, nor
sung, but came so quietly Rose was sure that he
dreaded the meeting as much as she did, and, compas-
sionating his natural confusion, did not look round as
)l!inniiig out
icccsscs, and
een realized
was a great
e long hours
fion Charlie
I'st meeting,
ith huniilia-
ilaco in her
feeling, and
5he decided
but also to
moment by
the virtues
ig, and her
the sun set
dth dreamy
ar and dark
door made
say with a
, I promised
with music
[immed, nor
ire that he
nd; compas-
>k round as
i
THE SAD AN,> SOBEH PAJiT. 185
offence, but I,o„od not L , ""' '° -""•"■ " ''"^-1.
anxiously. tne fiKst demonstration
It was rather a shoct w],^« u
.--o,e«n,,.o,,;f,::' ::;■-";-,, .
""<! gay as usual, ,,.!,, ,ig|,t,y __'''' '""' » ™«=<'. bol.l
Rosew,.s .0 takef ;,"'",?■ *°-'''^^' --"?••
■H'.'^s that the flo«-c„ I., ^ ' ""expected cool-
"ith .1 face ,0 ft, I '' """""""'' ■•'•' ^'- '"°ked up
like sl,au,e tl u ""''"''"' '''"■'"^''' ""'l -"-""..g
•l^eply, „„,, ,,i, eves ft- I ''..., ^'''■""' '° ''^''J™ i'
"- same light tone. !! ' ^' "'"' ^'"■"«>' ">«"§'' in
"I humbly npojocn^e fnv ^ •
o.vpeots every „„, t„ aII T ' ^"" '""'^ ^"""■'"■■^
"I a,n tiL :f'„lVtV:'V"''"^^"■'''■'^''''^■•''
l'■■o™.•.es as easily a., ^ W v "'■*" """ ""'^'^
""•«■ ask you fol LIZ ^ "" "S"' ""^ r «''■■•"
*'-bou<p,etaway' for' T"""' «°^''' P"«-g
•^»f-;™...noVbSerre:'-'-'''^^-'-' i|^
thatapoorS:r:rp:i;::7-*7'^^^^^^
fiease you, try as he will,"
'1
i,- i
18G
RUSE IN BLOOM.
bogrin Charlie, ill at case, hut too proud to show half
the penitence he felt, not so much for the fault as for
her discovery of it.
"I am not angry: I am grieved and disappoiiited ;
for 7 expect every man to do his duty in another way,
and keep his word to the uttermost, as I try to do.
If that is exacting, I 'ni sorry, and won't trouble you
with my old-fashioned notions any more."
" Bless my poul ! what a rout about nothing ! I own
that I forgot : I know I acted 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 as I 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 his turn now to feel "terribly
ashamed;" for the events of the previous evening
were very ha.'^y in his mind, and fear magnified them
greatly. Turning shai-ply away, he went and stood by
the fire, quite at a loss how to make his peace this
time, because Rose was so unlike herself. Usually
a word of excuse sufliced, and she seemed glad to par-
don and forget ; now, though very quiet, there was some-
thing almost stern about her that surprised and daunted
him ; for how could he know that all the while her
pitiful heart was pleading for him, and the very effort
to control it made her seem a little hard and cold ?
As he stood there, restlessly fingering the little orna-
ments upon the chimney-piece, his eye brightened sud-
) show li.'ilf
fault as for
nppoiiltcd ;
I other way,
try to do.
rouble you
ig ! I own
ami I bog
so terribly
and Rose
than her
" terribly
s evening
ified them
I stood by
peace this
Usually
id to par-
was some-
1 daunted
while her
ery effort
md cold ?
ttle orna-
sned sud-
THE SAD AND SOUEll l^ART 187
i.u.nb,o n„„ ii„:' 15;. :ri'" " "-- "■••" '^-
on, .and p,.o,„i,c -.fresh • ,1 , ' '*■'' '"" P'" ""»
blue forgot-me-nols rcnin.lcf] hpv nf 1 '°
-•<" «'- k<-pt it with diffieu i ::;', ":;:"r,™^'''
be free I „• ,„!":' "^"V' ^^'^ % "-"'» "".st
to -i»tt .,,,,,,,,,,,, „,„,„--^^^
Charlie did not like that nn.i i .., ^
e«.ne „„a .ea, yo„/j.: 2rr::?'Tf "'i r"'
bear that; so I uivp „„,. f ■ '^ . ^- '■ eo'iMn't
I '" break the bf „ai„ T ^"'' ""''""^' '" ^''h ^ »««
- ""'t. R.»„ had the Campbell spirit ia
jf
I i1
L-
Em P
188
ROSE IN BLOOM.
i
her, thougli it seldom showed ; as yet she valued her
liberty more than any love offered her, and she re-
sented the authority he assumed too soon, — resented
it all the more warmly, because of the effort she was
making to reinstate her hero, who would insist on
being a very faulty and ungrateful man. She rose
straight out of her chair, saying with a look and tone
which rather startled her liearer, and convinced him
that she was no longer a tender-hearted child, but a
woman with a will of her own, and a spirit as proud
and fiery as any of her race, —
" My heart is my own, to dispose of as I please.
Don't shut yourself out of it by presuming too much ;
for you have no claim on rae but that of cousinship,
and you never will have unless you earn it. Remem-
ber that, and neither threaten nor defy me any more."
P^or a minute it was doubtful whether Charlie would
answer this flash with another, and a general explosion
ensue ; or wisely quench the flame with the mild an-
swer Avhich turneth away wrath. He chose the latter
course, and made it very effective by throwing himself
down before his offended goddess, as he had often
done in jest ; this time it was not acting, but serious
earnest, and there was real passion in his voice, as he
caught Rose's dress in both hands, saying eagerly, —
"No, no! don't shut your heart against me, or I
shall turn desperate. I 'm not half good enough for
such a saint as you, but you can do what you will with
me. I only need a motive to make a man of me, and
ii .i\
alued her
id she re-
- resented
•t she was
insist on
Slie rose
: and tone
ineed him
ild, but a
as proud
1 I please,
too much ;
ousinship,
Rerae Pi-
ny more."
rlie would
explosion
I mild an-
the latter
\g himself
liad often
ut serious
)ice, as he
?erly, —
me, or I
nough for
I will with
■f me, and
THE SAD AND SOBER PART. 189
J'V\r^ ^'""■' ^''■" '"'S» R«e. much moved
though all the while she felt as if .he was on ."" ™'
»<! had a part to play; for Charlie had .nade litTo'
l.ke a melodrama that it ,vas hard for hiu. to be li e
simple even when most sincere. ^
"Let me earn it, tl,e». Show me ho,, and I'll
Co any th,ng: f„r yo„ are my good angel LL
Bd, >f you cast „,e off, I feel as if I shouldn't «'
how soon there was an end of me." cried Chariie
gettmg tragic in his earnestness, a^d putting bh
arms round her, as if his only safety lay in clinging „
this beloved fellow-creature. ^^
Behind footliahts it wnnU i,„ i
I . . ' would have been irresistiHo.
but somehow it did not touch the one spectato Z!gh
e had neither time nor skill to discover wh^. ptr
al the.r ardor the words did not rin<r q„ite true • 7
^>.te the grace of the attitude, she ,™ 1 . ri'iktd
h m. better manfully erect upon his feet , and, ho^
the gesture w.as fu„ of tenderness, a sLbtle ins it
made her shrink away, as she said with a compo r'
thatsurprised herself, even more than it did Z~
" P ease don't. No, I will promise nothing ye • for
I must respect the man I love " '
That brought Ch..rlie to his feet, pale with some
■"g deeper than anger ; for the recofl told ^I no"
*.. y than the words how much be had falleri,:
K'gard since vesterdiv 'ru,.
^esieictay. ihe memory of the hap],y
I
u
I
h
190
HOSE JN BLOOM.
moment when she gave the rose Avith that new soft-
ness in her eyes, tlie shy color, the sweet " for my
sake," came back with sudden vividness, contrasting
sharply Avith ' the now averted face, the hand out-
stretched to put him back, the shrinking figure : and
in that instant's silence poor Charlie realized what he
had lost ; for a girl's first thought of love is as delicate
a thing as the rosy morning-glory, that a breath of air
can shatter. Only a hint of evil, only an hour's de-
basement for him, a moment's glimpse for her of the
coarser pleasures men know, and the innocent heart,
just opening to bless and to be blessed, closed again
like a sensitive plant, and shut him out perhaps for
ever.
The consciousness of this turned him pale with fear :
for his love was deeper than she knew ; and he proved
this when he said in a tone so full of mingled pain and
patience that it touched her to the heart, —
" You shall respect me if I can make you ; and when
I 've earned it may I hope for something more ? "
She looked up then, saw in his face the noble shame,
the humble sor' of courage, that shows repentance to
be genuine, and gives promise of success, and, with a
hopeful smile that was a cordial to him, answered
heartily, —
" You may."
" Bless you for that ! I '11 make no promises, I '11
ask for none : only trust me. Rose ; and, Avhile you
treat me like a cousin, remember that no matter how
» J
new soft-
" for my
mtrasting
land out-
jure : and
. what he
s delicate
ith of air
lour's de-
ler of the
mt heart,
5ed again
rhaps for
fvith fear :
le proved
pain and
and when
•e?"
>le shame,
ntance to
id, with a
answered
nises, I '11
,vliile you
atter how
SMALL TEMPTATIONS 19^
-nt awa,, leaving Rose to ^ft "''j, elTfl!""^
.nto water with remorseful care , J"'""''"' ^^^f-^™
bracelet, saying to herself,- ' '"^ "'^^'^ f""
" I '" "ever wear it till I feel as r ^;,i i, i
be shall put it on, and I 'H say! yj,^,'" ""^^^ ' *-
CHAPTER XI.
SMALL TEMPTATIONS.
" Q ROSE, I Ve got something so exoiti„„ t . „
^^ you 1" cried Kitty v,„ t , T ° *'"
the carriage ne.u morning wl en h'^f ' 7'"^' '""
''«• to go shopping. ° ^"^ '"^■"'* «'"«! fo'-
Kitty always did have some " nerfentW .1 •„•
communication to make an,] Til , , ^ ""''"'"S
them quietly : but tir,', . ^ "'' ^'"""''^ *» '••'"<»
o"e;f!r,reLd;:st r: u~:r^^^^^''^'^
md disordered haf, ,„-,i i^ ohservers outside
the neck, e.cLl,, 'r ' ";:; '^^ 'J'' «»- --^
:%<^-.tcre.at„r:,vr:~^^^^^^
J>''«oglad! Of course it is Steve v-
M !
i.:!
192
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" Dear follow, he did it last night in the nicest way,
and mamma is so delighted. Now what shall I bo
married in ? " and Kitty comjjosed herself with a face
full of the deepest anxiety.
" How can you talk of that so soon ? Why, Kit,
you unromantic girl, you ought to be thinking of your
lover and not your clothes," said Ruse, amused, yet
rather scandalized at such want of sentiment.
" I am thinking of my lover ; for he says he will not
have a long engagement, so I must begin to think
about the most important things at once, mustn't I ? "
" Ah, he wants to be sure of you ; for you are such
a slippery creature he is afraid you '11 treat him as you
did poor Jackson and the rest," interrupted Rose, shak-
ing her finger at her prospective cousin, who had tried
this pastime twice before, and was rather proud than
otherwise of her brief engagements.
" You needn't scold, for I know I 'm right ; and,
when you 've been in society as long as I have, you '11
find that the only way to really knov; a man 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 wretches they are," answered Kitty,
with an air of worldly wisdom which contrasted oddly
with her youthful face and giddy manners.
■" A sad prospect for poor Steve, unless I give him a
hint to ook well to his ways,"
" O 1 y dear child, I 'm sure of him *, for my expe-
rience has made me very sharp, and I 'm convinced 1
SMALL TEMPTATIONS. . 193
can manage hi,„ ^Uhout ,a Ut of trouble W -
known each other for aires " ^S,„ ^* "'^
Kitty eighteen) ".„„, T f '™ '*""'y '">d
big hand, and f 2 h """ ' ' ""''' '''"'« "-•
he's the be.t d' LT . '" "'"'''^ "''°''*" '""="
handkerchiefs firrttrvV '" ™ '""■ '™ i'"*"*-
resi>,t"l»„ I rt' ^ ""''"'" ™<=hanting I couldn't
pX,;:irr;;::rs^
shec.adenciouJra:rar::r:::r"'°'^^^^
you!:ri':tiTT'"^'-™''^"'^="^"- think
-..p.ea.eifr ::::!"::: ""^^ ""'"-'^' «-.
;•*".. and a ,,ck ^^^^^T^
::nt:;rr^^"'---""«''e'^..eefn'::fe;:t::^
-"::rt:::i:-^^^^^
every thin-. i„ the „ 7 "'" "'>''' '<> take
oiou'iioseryou'dha :r:r.''*"' '"^- *^^ «'-^'-
last night while Stet ^ "' " '•"■"'"'«e goose
I actu,t.y r' ^e I'^'^r'' '■" "" ''='* P-lo- for
I pretended ; I ZX "'T' '" ^"■™^' -»-
<le-- and nice when I told "T "'"' "'"' ^° ™'7
he had it in hi „,'/;" ""-" *™«'- I <lHn't know
"ever cared a partWe h n TT/"' '''-"«''«""y. -<!
his loveiy shirt-frc:: ' wC^ th.;r"' ""="•' ■■'" ''™-
ye» tnow he hates hi» t^;^ \^^ .^"^^ ?i """ ? '"-•
to be
mussed.
13
194
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" He 's a true Campbell, and has got a good warm
heart of his own under those fine fronts of his. Aunt
Jane doesn't believe in sentiment, so he has been
trained never to show any : but it is there, and you
must encourage him to let it out ; not foolishly, but
in a way to make him more manly and serious."
" I will if I can ; for, though I wouldn't own this to
everybody, I like it in 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 any one ;
I want it to be a profound secret for a week at least,"
added Kitty, whisking the handkerchief out of sight,
as the carriage stopped before the fashionable store
they were about to visit.
Rose promised with a smile; for Kitty's face be-
trayed her without words, so full was it of the happi-
ness which few eyes fail to understand wherever thtiy
see it.
" Just a glance at the silks. You ask my opinion
about white ones, and I '11 look at the colors. Mamma
says satin ; but that is out now, and I 've set my heart
on the heaviest corded thing I can find," whispered
Kitty, as they went rustling by the long counters
strewn with all that could delight the feminine eye,
and tempt the feminine pocket.
" Isn't that opal the loveliest thing you ever saw ?
I 'm afraid I 'm too dark to wear it, but it would just
suit you. You'll need a variety you knoAv," added
Kitty in a significant aside, as Rose stood among the
SMALL TEMPTAriONS.
white siJks, ^vhile her con... •
" No mutter, ffet h - ..i •
™>- one whether you „e 7 U ^' "'"' ""«' h»™ ■••
- a tah t„i,et at eve,;' "f"" '''"'' ''^ "-^ out
™guM voices wen,.;; h ':'•* " '™* ^-^ to
■"g l>oth silks with a mtV f"^ " ^■''''' •' " «athe,-
;'"ch was the bricie-elec H' 1 ."""»" ■■" '■' Sla»ce
Kuty fe„ back to .tud/ elffe:"'f' '""^ ^™"<' ^ ^or
fo ds with au absorbing i„tf ""^ "'^''^ '^«te
-""« Bose sat looking^r he' T""" '" "'^''"=''.
h-d a bland voice s!, t'tZ " " ''' ^^^^'^
""»■ to girlish eurs,_ °' ^ "" "«"«^ "f silk so
^'f perfect for'ah'lli^le .'""'' " ''' ''"^^ -^S but'
iiose
i^
was
oot listening to those
words, but to others
ROSE IN BLOOM.
which Aunt Clara had lately uttered ; laughed at then,
but thought over more than once since.
"I'm tired of hearing people wonder why Miss
Campbell does not dress more. Simplicity is all very
well for school-girls and women who can't afford any
thing better, but you can, and you really ought. Your
things are pretty enough in their way, and I rather
like you to have a style of your own ; but it looks odd,
and people will think you are mean if you 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 to getting up ravishing
costumes."
Much more to the same effect did her aunt say, dis-
cussing the subject quite artistically, and unconsciously
appealing to several of Rose's ruling passions. One
was a love for the delicate fabrics, colors, and ornar
ments which refined tastes enjoy, and whose costliness
keeps them from ever growing common ; another, her
strong desire to please the eyes of those she cared for,
and gratify their wishes in the smallest matter if she
could. And last, but not least, the natural desire of a
young and pretty woman to enhance the beauty which
she so soon discovers to be her most potent charm for
the other sex, h or passport to a high place among her
maiden peers.
She had thought seriously of surprising and delight-
ing every one, by appearing in a costume which should
do justice to the loveliness which was so modest that
''""■'■ ''•'■■-^tPTAnom.
'■t ™s apt to f„,.„et it,^,. . , '"^
"fe';"» and easily p,„e;.„'"":;'™'' »» »'.e coul., ;,„.
-"- P.n.e in he.- pocket "^s! Tf""' "-*■»"■-
t'.e^h^n.e,,,. She had p,a„„o., ^ all;
jorfe, ornament, of so,„« Z' '" '"'^ ""-> fro«-
"-" y accassaries a, perfec a "'""■"' "■" "" 'ho
"""'d make tl,em, *" '"""• '•■>«'»■ and money
She knew that Unci,, ii , ,
»■>"" hera fi,,„e tC e^i^ "•'"'"''" '™'»'-ng had
;" '"-. So it ,vas little wide ,T'"""'°" '"•^' ^''•■«-
<»;«■•« to use these gifts I^r "'f ^'"^ f"^" « »tr„„g
P'ay,b„t to seem fain';," ' ""^ P'^^^'-e of dis
« •>- «tho„t a t: deV :r:; "r* -">- 'o„k
»o- winning when no wol ma I""™"""' •^" ">»
homage women love. "'"■'■^'' ">'^ 'nvolnntary
I'"'!" thoughts were busy i„ r ,
'"ol-ng at the lovely silk ?„, ? " ""■"'^' »» »he sat
"■™W say if she .Un^C! "^T""""' ^""^ Charlie
; i->e, rosy eloud, like ' "e 1 '.f '''"«' "P"" '"m i„
''kene.I her. She knew i 1 m '"""" """^ "fen
™" «"e longed to do:; '^ H^nf ^^ '™ ™'-^--'.
he poor fellow; f„r her t«^^ j^r? T"'" *" S^'fy
■"o-efnl pangs, rememte '?''' '^'"^^^ ^^^ -me
''«™ the night before s"^ 'T '"^''^ «he h.ad
«'»■*. because she meant h '" ' ""* ^-<"=^ her '
™^htbeki„d,a„dsho:rrr^r--''"-he
liini
out from h
ler regai-d.
sJie did
by askiiig him
not y\.
to
■Jy sh
ut
SO with her
198
ROSE /iV BLOOM.
I
to Kitty's biill, anrl gratify his artistic tnstc by a lovely
costume. A very girlish but kindly plan ; for that ball
was to be the lust of her frivolities, so she wanted it
to be a pleasant one, and felt that "being friends"
with Charlie would add much to her enjoyment. This
idea made her fingers tighten on the gloaming fabric
so temptingly upheld, and she was about to take it
when, " If ye please, sir, would ye kindly tell me where
I 'd be finding the flannel place?" said a voice behind
her ; and, glancing up, she saw a meek little Irish-
Avoman looking quite lost and out of place among the
luxuries around her.
" Downstairs, turn to the left," was the clerk's hasty
reply, with a vague wave of the hand which left the
inquirer more in the dark than ever.
Rose saw the woman's perplexity, and said kindly,
" I '11 show you ; this way."
"I'm ashamed to be throublin' ye, miss; but it's
strange I am in it, and wouldn't be comin' here at all,
at all, barrin' they tould me I 'd get the bit I 'm
wantin' chaper in this big shop than the little ones
more becomin' the like o' me," explained the little
woman humbly.
Rose looked again, as she led the way through a
well-dressed crowd of busy shoppers : and something in
the anxious, tired face under the old woollen hood ; the
bare, purple hands, holding fast a meagre wallet and a
faded scrap of the dotted flannel little children s frocks
are so often made of, — touched the generous heart, that
SMALL TEMPTATIONS. "^ 199
- 1::"::: ::;:-:: ;r-"-
■notheriy p,.„tt,o about "„^e b bv" fT"' '"'"'''
(•Ic " it was to " fi. 1 , u ^' ""'^ ""> " "I'-ou-
when „!„„„ is , "" '"^ '■" 8™-"' """-lor,
'ue man is out av wort o«ri *i, 1 .
ineonvaynient those hard tL V; ' '"; .""^ »;' ^'P
that darksome lower world i ^ """"^"^ '°
■•efuge when hivuve , ' '"■'' ""^^sitios take
plaoLbovr " """' '""" «" f'om the gayer
"e. grew n.rL,;;,,; ^ f ":: '^ " "^'^ " "^ "-
away, wiping her eyes on the eorne If b , '""'
bundle. A verv litflo ,i,- V *""' ""'own
v^oodon-faccd ^rlV "^' ""' "" ""' '»'^ " ^ut a
good, and s tt;,;:::::,"':^^ ^?' '^ ^-^^ «"-
f-e, thinking seif-;:^;:!;:; ''!::' ''-"' '^'"' » ""-
" What riffht Htvp T f^ •
poor babies have Ze ';,"? 'T """"' "'™ '<""«
fine, while there is ,o /n^ b Jf,' '""' "'•'"""S "'y^-"*
. Nevertheless t:TJtrr;::r;r:sr:
'ng as ever, and she veaniP.l f T "^ ^'''''P^
.-owed yearning w,r '« "'i' :" f " "
-t.o„,d , bave bee„\ou"::in' -■:::::
E,;i
; I? J
sot
ROSE IN BUnm.
as slie joined Kitty, still brooding over the ueddincr
gowns. '^
" I waited a moment for you, my dear, because I 'm
in haste, and very glad to save myself a journey or a
note," began the newcomer in a low tone, as Rose
shook hands with the most affectionate resi)ect. « You
know the great box f^ictory was burned a day or two
ago, and over a hundred girls thrown out of work.
Some were hurt and are in the hosi)ital, many have no
homes to go to, and nearly all nped temporary help of
some sort. We've had so many calls this winter I
hardly know which way to turn ; for the want is press-
ing, and I Ve luid my finger in so many purses I 'm
ahriost ashamed to ask again. Any little contribution
— ah, thank you ; I was sure /ou wouldn't fail me,
my good child," and Mrs. Gardener warmly pressed the
Iiand that went so quickly into the little portemonnaie,
and came out so generously filled.
« Let -ne know how else I can help, and thank you
very much for allowing m'e to have a share in your
good works," said Rose, forgetting all about gav
gowns, as she watched the black bonnet go brisk./
away, with an approving smile on the fine old face
inside it.
" You ex -. v;igant thing ! how could you give so
much?" vhiy. -.• Kirfy, whose curious eye had seen
three figures on M .mgle UM which had so rapidly
changed hancli.
" I believe if Mrs. Gardener asked me for my head I
<^^»#-
'"'''■'■ -''^-^''-nriom. 201
'!"■•"■"= '0 the »i„.;; Xr' ""T '«""^; then
"r the atripd ?" ° '"' "l" '''>«■. 'he corded
»•'■"/«'</ made ,,, , 2r;""""-' '^•^"."-M Kitty,
---;. ..>... J. ■„„; ::'::::,,::-' -^ -- -
J^o. I can't afford it i,„t ,„., ,
"•y "ll««'a„oo, and I rf,all ,,avc 1' if t""'" "™'"'''
«""7- Cme, we on,-ht not, V ^"^ '"'"^ """-o
you liave all the „.,„p °, ""'"^ «!"»> ''-re, if
break throuirl, two rn«.i . ''^ ^^^ Po^^"'" to
:-; - o-.- .ot to . erritxiis
Jis Rosamond Iiad her dav of • ,
'"cmed to be one of s„.,l ,! ^ °*.""»f'>«"ne.,, so this
»V '."d «e! Kitty dot" r" •""■^ '" ""■'"• Af'--
'-vh„,.ea,shedrov "ltd" "' '"'^" *" -« '-
"- -<3, and, whi,:: : t'rrf"' '"■""' '-
"ecntion of an order, vo„n. 1> , ''"'^' *" ""=
^« Steve said th k I! ^ '"""''"" "'»"'« ''y-
^-g the n,ost eli^b '';;"' *'><' ""■^'^'^^'^ ««ht.
"-as considered a dt.t ; . "'•■"°"' l"'' "-cgard
'■"■' •'een we,, s 1 ;- " "."l''™" ' "' ^ »-' Rose
tonorabi
scoMed by Aunt CI
^ a mate. Th
g"'i liked h
ara for i-efusi
ng so
i"i : and he was
ii02
ROiiE IN BLOOM.
the suitor of whoMi she hficl spoken bo respectfully to
Dr. Alec, because he had no need of the heiress, and
had sincerely loved the woman. Tie had been away,
and she hoped had got over his disappointment as hap-
pily as the rest ; but now when he saM' her, and came
hurrying up so hungry for a word, she felt that he had
not forgotten, and was too kind to chill him with the
bow which plainly says, " Don't stop."
A personable youth was Peniberton, and had
brought with him from the wilds of Canada a sable-
lined overcoat, which was the envy of every masculine
and the admiration of every feminine friend he had ;
and, as he stood at her carriage window, Rose knew
that this luxurious garment and its stalwart wearer
were objects of interest to the passers-by. It chanced
that the tide of shoppers flowed in that direction ; and,
as she chatted, familiar faces often passed with glances,
smiles, and nods of varying curiosity, significance, and
wonder.
She could not help feeling a certain satisfaction in
giving him a moment's pleasure, since she could do no
more ; but it was not that amiable desire alone which
made her ignore the neat white parcels which the
druggist's boy deposited on the front seat, and kept
her lingering a little longer to enjoy bne of the small
triumphs which girls often risk more than a cold in
the head to display. The sight of several snow-flakes
on the broad shoulders which partially obstructed
her view, as well as the rapidly increasing anima.
V.
SMALL TEMPTATRhys. 203
tion of Pemberton's chat, remincle,! her th.t ir .
high time to go. '^^ ^^ ^^'^«
"I mustn't keen von • I'f \. ^ ■ ■
'-.»; for «„,all talk is ^ot e'oi'- ,! 1 T' ^ ""^'^"'-
»';ose nose feel., nke „„ Ldo "^ '" » '"-"g.y man
" Is it? I thought the sun was shining" t i ..
absorbed <'entlein,n t„ i . , """"S- And the
in the red-lined carriage """'^
"." li^e'i.ITuoT :i""" r' °'"- ^"-"^- >'-i'"
fo the fie t h 1'"'' ™^"^° '" commonplaces;
- -«rd;:ittv:::rj::: --™ «-'-. as'
"I wish I could-" fhnr. ' •!•
added, " Thank ylV:,. ' '""'"'« g'-''"<'f'>"y. h<=
, nank j on for giving me a little of yours "
whfl •:: wit?"*''' ^"'' *°""^-<" •'- ^brel,,
-ft oyes to folW hinr adnTrr;,; ' """"' ^""^''■' '"^
I cluidTe;;?!!- f^™ '',!"?"" " ™"""' '""Ser than
«-i»Mosht:°«:rro .7;;^ V™ "■''-""''
mI C nS, /n ■•" ^'"'^ "' "" "'y '^^-« ' " And
?! 3' J
204
ROSE IN BLOOM.
"Now, young man, what brought you out hi this
driving fitorm?" asked Rose, as Jamie came stamping
in that same afternoon.
"Mamma sent you a new book, — thought you'd
like it : I don't mind your old storms ! " repHed the
boy, wrestling his way out of his coat, and presenting
a face as round and red and shiny as a well-polished
Baldwin apple.
" Much obliged : it is just the day to enjoy it, and I
was longing for something nice to read," said Rose, as
Jamie sat down upon the lower staiV 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 pock-
ets one after the other, with a dismayed expression of
countenance.
« Never mind ; I 'II hunt up something else. Let
me help with those: your hands are so cold." And
Rose good-naturedly gave a tug at the boots, while
Jamie clutched the banisters ; murmuring somewhat
incoherently, as his legs flew up and down,—
" I '11 go back if you want me to. I 'm so sorry !
It 's- very good of you, I 'm sure. Getting these horrid
things on made me forget. Mother would make me
wear 'em, though I told her they'd stick like — like
gumdrops," he added, inspired by recollections of cer-
tain dire disappointments when the above-mentioned
sweetmeat melted in his pockets, and refused to come
out.
I i!
SMALL TEMPTATIONS.
«
Now what shall we do
205
9"
asked Re
was finally extricnted. "Since ivf 1'"' '"'"" ""^
I may as well ],lay." '^^ """""S '» «ad,
wen' o" r:!; C l: ""^^ ""^ '«- ^'- -,ch ve^^
»^prod„c/„:.at;;"ir.etfrr"'r"'>'-^'
ceptacles in whid. Uoys have "he ^ ■, r r^"'"''""-' ™-
enough to fill a peck Lasme ^'"""^ ""'"''*
fu" l-Iaying where you hwl t„ 1 1 "'"' ""
and jars and things "o I Vnfl ? °"* '"'' '""""-«
Captain Nen,o and t'he -N-l f '"? ^""^ ''""■' "''-"
13- ""'^i Lue IN autilus,' please "
'''-•"Twent ; a:d're::rur"r'™^''
-ierehe remained for two In' , , ''"' ""' '"■"'"
eral satisfact.on of his relltLT ""' '" ''"' ^'''^-
'"OS. Settling her elf n . r"'''^'' ""°"« "^ """-
«I.e read as diL 2" ' T ' ™""' '°«"g"'S-cl.air,
■™.i snow fen s wm::':""' "'"" '"^ ^•"■^' "-'•^'J
For an hour. nnfK; — j- .„ , , ^,
flisturbed the cosev .
liousej for Auut Plenty
quiet of tho
was napping upstairs, and
rll
, t _ f '
I
206
ROSE IN BLOOM.
Dr. Alec writing in his own sanctum ; at least, Rose
thought so, till his step made her hastily drop the
book, and look up with very much the expression she
used to wear when caught in mischief years ago.
" Did I startle you ? Have a screen : you are burn-
ing your face before this hot fire." And Dr. Alec
pulled one forward.
" Thank you, uncle ; I didn't feel it." And the colcr
seemed to deepen in spite 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 it, if you can spare it for a
moment," he said, leaning toward her with an inquir-
ing glance.
'' No, sir : I am reading — " And, without mention-
ing the name, Rose put the book into his hand.
The instant his eye fell on the title, he understood
the look she wore, and knew what " mischief " she had
been in. He knit his browg : then smiled, because it
was impossible to help it ; Rose looked so conscience-
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 about this."
" Not a very good world, I fancy, if you M^ere afraid
or ashamed to be found in it. Where did this come
from?" asked Dr. Alec, surveying the book with great
disfavor.
Rose told him, au<l added slowly, —
SMALL TEMPTATIONS.
207
about ae . i„j:: ::::;- -----''-^^
i'M read it to see if it was fit for™,,..
' And decided that it was nn, r ^
»«ver gave it to me P " ' ™''P"'' ^ *"'«^ y"
"Yes."
"Tiien I won't fi„isi, ;, p ,
» l.y I should not " added R '• """'"' ' ''°'''« ™'^
■•e^'ohed the heart of ,'' ' *"''""^' f" ^l"^ "ad
f..% fascinating. "'"^"^" •■""' f™»d ^ wonder-
«..tl::l:s;"' ^™'' ^- /-^ ^^h, „otr.
Kose leaned her flushp.l i. ,
'"o-Kht a n.i„„,, tttltf n!" '^^ "™' ""'
tonestlj,— ^^^ "P* and answered
~;gt;„^''ir::.ort'''--p-hatu,,ow
Rfflrfn/i u wiong, because I blnshp^ i
staited when you came in » '^'"shed and
ten as you know and th. x ^«^^ei fully well writ-
"eeiasifishoX',;::^::^""^^^^^^^
"I H-e "otJ-ejacuhtTt,, 7 *''''■''•"
"ook quicld,, as if^o tl t ; or"'"'' ^'"'""'' ">«
from escaping. ' olyeet.onaWe beings
fr
Rose laughed, but n
persisted in her defe
m- ■
nee ; for she
208
ROSE IN BLOOM.
i ;
did want to finish the absorbing story,, yet would not
without leave.
" I have read French novels before, and you gave
them to me. Not many to be sure, but the best ; so T
think I know Avhat is good, and shouldn't like this if
it was harmful."
Her uncle's answer was to reopen the volume and
turn the leaves an instant 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.
You used to like that : try it again."
Rose obeyed, and went glibly down a page, doing
her best to give the sense in her purest English. Pres-
ently she went more slowly, then skipped a sentence
here and there, and finally stopped short, looking as if
she needed a screen again.
" What 's the matter ? " asked her uncle, who had
been watching her with a serious eye.
" Some phrases are untranslatable, and it only spoils
them to try. They are not amiss in French, but
sound coarse and bad in our blunt P^iiglish," she said
a little pettishly ; for she felt* annoyed by her failure
to prove the contested point.
" Ah, my dear ! if the fine phrases won't bear putting
into honest English, the thoughts they exj)ress won't
bear putting into your innocent mind. That chapter
is the key to the Avhole book ; and if you had been led
up, or rather down, to it artfully and artistically, you
might have read it to yourself witJiout seeing how bad
^^^^AIL TEMPTATIONS.
'^ IS. All the worse for th. a •
^^^-the evil so subt" fa ;i '"f^^ talent which
lightful." ^ '"^ "^'-^kes the danger sode-
" Finish it if yo , 21 "'•■'' ^"" •'«•«'"'& -
and that wo novo,, oan bo too ■ f'T " "' '"''""y'
fe'.vo that precious yot-poH, .! . """ "*"" '-'' »-
'ion." ' ''""'<""> t'"ng oallod imagiua-
And taking his "Roviow"!,
» 'e.->™ec, artioio which intorostolh"' "'"'"'' '" '"* """^
another lono- silpur..^ r i •' '
exoitod bou„eo°f,.„ ;;„;f"'; "■"^''^■™ occasional
"«>' looked i„ „t tho windor'nlr'" f' ^°"'^'"'' ™W«-
« «I"P or two in itT '.X'c: ''"''"''^"-•'«'<^d
!he doctor popped his,:::" , ::::^ in '" ■•™* ■^'"'
!'«'.■«« only a message for Alrpr ""' ™"""'-
"bout to pop in agaifwhentle ^^' ™' ''« -^"^
«q«a.-e parcel on the slab ^^ '""' '•'"'S'" ^y a
"^t"::::'::t^r^'''*"-'"p-
» ."'; ^0 and get it as s:o„ L^e, [T "^'»"- • - ^
Pl'ed Janiie, f,o„ ^j^ _^^^^ ««■ I ve done this," re-
-X"':':htd't;r:!-r'*-».and
Jam
thought U
'Ose's
w
;^y through, Dr. Alec
Pi-o«]»ect rather doubtful ^'Ind,
14
si
I I
ipping
210
ROSE IN BLOOM.
the parcel into his pocket, he walked away, saying
with a satisfied air, —
" Virtue doesn't always get rewarded ; but it shall
be this time, if I can do it."
More than Italf an hour afterward, Rose wi^ke from
a little nap, and found the various old favorites,
with which she had tried to solace herself, replaced
by the simple, wholesome story promised by Aunt
Jessie.
" Good boy ! I '11 go and thank him," she said, half-
aloud ; jumjiing up, wide awake and much pleased.
But she did not go ; for, just then, she espied her
uncle standing on the rug warming his hands with a
generally fresh and breezy look about him, which sug-
gested a recent struggle with the elements.
" ITow did this come ? " she asked suspiciously.
" A man brought it."
" This man ? O uncle ! why did you take so much
trouble just to gratify a wish of mine?" she cried,
taking both the cold hands in hers, with a tenderly
reproachful glance from the storm without to the
ruddy face above her.
" Because, having taken away your French bonbons
with the poisonous color on them, I wanted to get you
something better. Here it is, all pure sugar ; the sort
that sweetens the heart as well as the tongue, and
leaves no bad taste behind."
" How good you are to me ! I don't deserve it ; for
I didn't resist temptation, though I tried. Uncle, after
W^M TEMPrATIom.
^ 'd flit the book awiv T ,> , '
"""ot boon go, ":,];"<"■'' '>-o rend it al, I
0" 'h^' ha,,,,, . J,,„„ ',f°,7''»^"'S'- face down
. «"t UnCe A,ec h ':;„ t / " " '•'"■"■"•■'"' child
'"'^ 'he eyes that .net hi"fr ' t, " ''"'"' "'"' '-ki-g
" '-■• ho said, With e :::''[• """S'' -"-• hCd
"■or* re,„embe,.cd, _ °^ """ "'"-^J-^ made his
;o,ia,! tL-.t',!;;";^; Irj " <>-» ^'o™, fa,.
'°'- « is the small te.n, fftl !'" "'''"'"'' "■< «»ow •
'00 trivial to be resisted ^ * ""^ "^^^^ ""»" the,„
Some people woald eonsidor n,. ^,
y man : b„t Rose felt that. '"" "" °^«'-<'»'-<=-
;^-f herpra,e,.s Z^Z:""'' '■"' -'-
10 he kept f,.o,„ yi,,ji„„ °'"> ^''fd a meek petition
tions which beset a ric r prettv" . ""' ™^" '^"i''-
«'-vagance, co,,,et,,;a:;:r;rL:,°:7"° ^'"■'.--
(.
212
ROSE IN BLOOM.
CHAPTER XII.
AT KITTY'S BALL.
"D OSE had no new gown to wear on this festive
■'-^ occasion, and gave one little sigh of regret as
she put on the pale blue silk, refreshed with clouds of
gaze cle Chamhrey. But a smile followed, very bright
and sweet, as she added the clusters of forget-me-not
which Charlie had conjured up through the agency of
an old German florist : for one part of her plan had
been carried out, and Prince was invited to be her
escort, much to bis delight ; though he wisely uifsae no
protestations of any sort, and showed his gratitude by
being a model gentleman. This pleased Rose; for
the late humiliation and a very sincere desire to atone
for it, gave him an air of pensive dignity which was
very effective.
Aunt Clara could not go ; for a certain new cos-
metic, privately used to improve the once fine com-
plexion, which had been her pride till late hours
impaired it, had brought out an unsightly eruption,
reducing her to the depths of woe, and leaving her
no solace for her disappointment but the sight of the
elegant velvet dress spread forth upon her bed in mel-
ancholy state.
So Aunt Jessie was chaperon, to Rose's great satis-
faction, and looked as "pretty as a pink," Archie
^r KITTY'S BAU. 213
voted a, „ i„v,,, „, .., "' .''"""'•■•mmn, „n,l „, Ho.
"os.gnyof,,,,,;,;l f:,]^,;;
8li3 8at contentedly l,o,;,l,. «i , t "• •^''''""'' ««
wntching their boy, JX T '"""" ^"'°''>' "'"th
no othe, p,.,.e„t Z, ' "T""" "■""<"-" "'•"'
»3 these. Each ]"'":'"',"'"■■"*""'' »>'™ime„,
"ght; and ye rVof. ;;,'■"■ '"' '"^"'"■*"g "> ^er
to boa,, fnut'n ;,,:;:' :-'^« ?- -- ^^mn-..,
t"e heart, of true Jl'^r "' ■^"""'■^ '"™' ^ ''^ ^o
tM^;„.':trrrA::;''^'°''^"---'''-e.
»d rather 3tate,y;h,n fi^' rthTerrdt f T' ^'"^
respect we see so little of „„„ ' I "'"'^ "'"^
sure sign of aood h„ ° " '"y**' ™'' "'Wd. is the
Will Ll oSat M ::'"=•, '"'"^ -'«*V' -
gorgeous as you p e." „ ,\?"''-^'' ^^-^ t^-e as
'hat night with tigh bo'ots „ UtT";r ""^ ^''*«'"^''
«% tell. But onTy ,„ 2 " . '"''' "" ^"^ "»
these sufferings in'^.h! r. ^^^"' "'''' '^'^ """S^e
t>.ey could St.;; "„ on ' , ""T'' "' """^ ^h^"
fonawy sunken' „:;r;r;r°°:-^'''" ""■■•"^ "-
rasped their ears and JZ t ,? T' "'^ "''"■■""^' ^'"'"h
"...ce the loles thereof a pleasing
I
'' • .if
I'
I
l!:
i
214
ROSf: IN BLOOM.
Ill
scarlet. B. ,i were these moments, however; and the
Spartan boys danced on with smiling faces, un.lanntcd
by the hidden anouish which preyed upon them "fore
and aft," as Will expressed it.
JVfrs, Jane's pair were an odd contrast, and oven the
stern diseiplinarian herself could not help smiling as
she watchwd tluMn. Steve was superb, and m^ght
have been married on the spot, so superfine was his
broadcloth, glossy his linen, and perfect the fit of his
gloves; while pride and happiness so fermented in
his youthful bosom, that there would have been dan-
ger of spontaneous combustion if dancing had not
proved a safety-valve ; for his strong senso'of the pro-
prieties would not permit him to vent his emotions in
any other way.
Kitty felt no such restraint, and looked like a bliss-
ful little gypsy, with her brunette prettiness set off by
a dashing costume of cardinal and cream color, and
every hair on lier hea<l curled in a Merry Pecksniffian
crop ; for youth was her strong point, and she much
enjoyed the fact that she had been engaged three
times before she was nineteen.
^ To see her and Steve spin round the room was a
sight to bring a smile to the lips of the crustiest bache-
lor or saddest spinster; for happy lovers are always a
pleasing spectacle, and two such merry little grigs as
these are seldom seen.
Mac, meantime, with glasses astride of his nose, sur-
veyed his brother's performances "on the light fan-
■"■•-■■ithod i„t„ Ms ,,„, ,, "' '"" S""'""cu wl,ich Slovo
M-o «too,, about u-iti t,, ^'"■" '"" "'"•' ''"ff'So,!.
«on,e wl,i,nsic,.l fancy of .,f ' "" '"« '" ''"""^'f •■"
-omc,,i.of,,,,::^:;^^-.^nini„«,,,^^^
%ing skirts. ^' '""'"'S 1"i'« » gale with her
" I think she will • fm- <5f ^ i
"P. «he oannot but see a 7 f ! ^'" '" "^'"^^'g'"
»l'e has never ha,, an. h, "" *<"■"' "^ ^^Lt
•>y it." answered \^' Z! '\T"" ""' ^"" "-«'
^^»y» when she and he' 1;""^' ''"'^"^ of the
betrothed. "^'"" ''""oo" together, just
«-S:":rTh:!:tL'°'''':T^^''^"^^»-''
«"-ho'snomoreid arf I ?" '""^ ^P-" them;
^""t Jane gave CfJ'Z'": '""' "'•"""■"-•'
"■o-d fan, emphasizing the trd <T "" "'"' "^■•
suggestive manner. " thoroughly " ;„ a
I i
most
216
ROSE IN BLOOM.
'I ve often wished I had your firmness, Jane: but,
attcr all, I'm not sure tliat I don't like my own way
best, at least with my boys ; for plenty of love, and
plenty of patience, seem to liave succeeded pretty
well ; " and Aunt Jessie lifted the nosegay from her
lap, feelmg as if that unfailing love and patience were
already blooming into her life, as beautifully as the
sweet-breathed roses given by her boy refreshed and
brightened these long hours of patient waiting in a
corner.
"I don't deny that you've done well, Jessie ; but
you ve been let alone, and had no one to hold your
hand or interfere. If my Mac had gone to sea as your
Jem did, I never should have been as severe as I am
Men are so perverse and short-sighted, they don't
trouble about the future as long as things are quiet
and comfortable in the present," continued Mrs. Jane
quite forgetting that the short-sighted partner of the
farm, physically speaking at least, was herself.
« Ah, yes ! we mothers love to foresee and foretell
our children's lives even before they are born, and are
very apt to be disappointed if they do not turn out as
we planned. I know I am : yet I really have no
cause to complain, and am learning to see that all we
can do IS to give the dear boys good principles, and
the best traming we may, then leave them to finish
what we have begun ; " and Mrs. Jessie's eye wandered
away to Archie, dancing with Rose, quite unconscious
what a pretty little castle in the air tumbled down
When he fell in love with Phebe.
me: but,
own way
love, and
i pretty
"rora her
ice were
y as the
hed and
ng in a
3ie; but
Id your
as your
^s I am.
K don't
i"e quiet
s. Jane,
of the
foretell
ind are
out as
ive no
all we
3S, and
finish
idered
iscious
down
AT KITTrs BALI.
t(
217
' ^^ght, quite rio-hf . ^„ ,, , .
V'"™ «r-ec. „„.hii : ! 7'"'- '"S-exac,,,.
pies and g„o,l i,,,,;,^ " ,j r°"' '"l ^"^ SoocI princi.
^"y-l--e. Nine ^^^ T """"S '<> '-'t then,
''™ of fibbing, and 2, , '""^ '"^ ^'"^^ '« cure
-'"•out hi, iZZ' T "" ''^"" ''' «- go
■ ^ -hipped and sta v.^ ^ f .r" '"'■' ''^^'^ ^^t
••' fe-ie, being as big. I "^ "" "'"' "''^ "''«
™ch an article could be. """""•P.'omising aa
Mrs. Jessie ^ave i mii/i
"-"■ --., trib„,atio„: IM :t' '";.'•■" ''''" "'
suffered had got a lit. „ • ' *''"='' *he boys
«i>''-g Steve i: :j ", ;:r '"''f™^*' ^"■•
the futh-telle,-. B„t ' „ ^ ^r* '""^ "'"-^'"^^ Mac
"fPPen in the best- e^: teT; ™"»-'-«°- -'■
P'e«d parents can do is It ' ''""' '■"' P"'-
i"S and practising, in h . " 1 '^ '"""^''"'' P'^^^'"
--ti,ne,. for acctrH'oT^'^*' '' ^"' '"'^'- '""'
«^"t, 10 the old proverb —
tain as CoJ shall please.'"
" I hope tliey won't dance the child t. 7 ,
them ; for each one see™, i , • ''*'•'"'' ""'ong
-en yonr sober Z "s d jf "^ '• ""^ ""'^ ""■" '
'"'-. - .*e sa. Ar^ io L':/"^'"' '^ '»- "'■•""tea
«-ho carried her off „■• I, °™' *" '"'' ''""^i".
-a' other elain.an,, '"^ "" '"""'l* ^om sev-
1
218
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" She 's very good to him, and her influence is excel-
lent; for he is of an age n()^v when a young woman's
opmion has more weight than an old one's. Though
he IS always good to his mother, and I feel as if I
should take great 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, remem-
bering how often her son had expressed his belief that
phdosophers should not marry, and brought up Plato
as an example of the serene wisdom only to be at-
tamed by a single man, while her husband sided with
Socrates, for whom he felt a profound sympathy,
though he didn't dare to own it.
" Well, I don't know about that. Since my Archie
surprised me by losing his heart as he did, I 'm pre-
pared for any thing, and advise you to do likewise
I really shouldn't wonder if Mac did soraethinc re-
markable in that line, though he shows no signs of it
yet, I confess," aaswered Mrs. Jessie, laughing.
" It won't be in Uiat direction, you may be s'ure ; for
her fate is sealed. Dear me, how sad it is to see a
superior girl, like that, about to throw herself away
on a handsome scapegrace. I won't mention names
but you understand me ; " and Mrs. Jane shook her
head, as if she could mention the name of one superior
girl who had thrown herself away, and now saw the
folly of it.
"I'm very anxious, of course, and so is Alec: but
It may be the saving of one party, and the happiness
e is excel-
f woman's
Thougli
b1 as if I
le of the
g fond of
5, remeni-
3lief that
up Plato
to be at-
lied with
anpathy,
y Archie
'm pre-
ikewise.
bing Te-
ns of it
ire ; for
see a
f away
names,
)ok lier
uperior
iaw the
ic: but
ipiness
^1' KITTY'S BALL. 219
of the other • fn,.
">«y .oceive:" sL:; M,:r " '°^° '» ^'^ •-.•o .„.,„
f°'- the thousandth ti,„!' I'"? '"■""""'>' »'™<l<^.™g,
^"^"^"^^^'^'"'^ «- - --
always .naintoin ^hlt 'a wif''' '"''"''"'■' ''""' ^ «''■''"
-other's .or.. R„ , nrhi.rr-v"""'^'^ "■■"<- »
t-os to set an Ca.'s mist kt „•! ^ , ^^ ^•'" '^ «'-
Jane, grfmly; t,,,„ ^^ ' "ht. answered Aunt
''o^tess approachedto have . !r I J'*""^ '•«« their
dear young people." ''"' "' "''•■" •'"'"ut "our
nf ;:it?:e.::;;c.::: ^"i' "-^t "'«■>'- -^ ^o-a
first remark set then, off o ' ,* n "'""■"«' ™™ >""•
- engaged to ZiL '-^^r.T' '» ^ *- .she
keeping in Canton some d.« 11, '" ^""^ '° "'"'■^"-
P"Ppies, and birds'-nest son^fo • '"^ '" ""^'^ ''''">'
Rose, too mnch amuse tZpL'"'""'" »■'-'-■»"
"% Confucius- isn't tht ? "''"' '" '"""'''■
Mao burst out laughinl o .f '* "'■°^1'-' ? " and
"oighbors, .ho w:nde::d ; 7r '"'"" "' '''
"bout the Chinese sage. T' ^ ; '"™ /^^« -"'-"g
'I'ough, to have these h,fn , "''"'"'' "'a'-ming,
Seems to be eatc J. f ' «<""^ "" »' ^^'^ ml
j'-dge by Annabel'ro'h e a'TTr ""■'^'*™'-' '»
»dded, regarding the a , ,irL/ "'' .^"""•" "«
WnWing ,vith nierrimenl ' """' "^'^ ^'"'
1 I
Don't b(
i^"gHl]ant, but go and do
/!'
iV'
like
^^''se; for it
220
JIOSE IiV BLOOM.
is all tlic f.isliion. I lioard Mrs. Van tell old Mrs. Joy
tliat it Avas going to bo a marrying year ; so you '11 bo
sure to catch it," answered Uose, reefing her skirts;
for, with all his training, Mac still found it difiicult to
k?ep liis long legs out of the man-traps.
"It doesn't look like a painful disease; but I must
be careful, for I 've no time to be ill now. What are
the symptoms ? " asked Mac, trying to combine busi-
ness with pleasure, and improve his mind while doing
his duty.
"If you ever come back I'll tell you," laughed
Rose, as he danced away into the wrong corner,
buinped smartly against another gentleman, and re-
turned as soberly as if that was the proper figure.
" Well, tell me ' how not to do it,' " he said, subsid-
ing for a moment's talk wlien Rose had floated to and
fro in her turn.
" Oh ! you see some young girl who strikes you as
particularly charming, — whether she really is or not
doesn't matter a bit, — and you begin to think about her
a great deal, to want to see her, and to get generally
sentimental and absurd," began Rose, finding it diffi-
cult to give a diagnosis of the most mysterious disease
under the sun.
" Don't think it sounds enticing. Can't I find an
antidote iomewhere ; for if 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 he
suspected that she had a little trouble from a hin+ Dr.
Alec had given him.
«
AT Kl'irrs BALL. 221
't lightlv the firsf Hn ""* '^ ^^^^«^" take
"vo,.;j„:';;:::;;r:,:r':,:-^^ ^■*--"
-.00 and start ,„o n.,U, J IS' ' '"' '"^ '^"'"-
Mrs. Van „„ee 8,v th,,/ '"•"'«o""''"t. I h.ar.l
"ad she o. 2 t., \ '"■,"l""V"ty work, ,vo„dorsj
young man.' " ^'' ^"'"'ining
ear%t '•"''•'''''"''•'' ■^'™'''» ™-- '>- the dis
ease. 1 rojmKjinty, hey ? VVli., i , , " ^""^ "">-
tMs identical ,n„n:o,t.l„,e n't/ 7' '" '""S^"-
Mac, gently catching he ■ .C'^, T '"' !"' "'"'" ^^'^
eral waltz. '' "'" «'"'»' &'• » gen-
"Don't bo alarmed, but „,in,i yo„r ,te„<, • f r.u
■'» is loolcing at us and T , . ' ' "'' *^'""'-
Tlmt's perfect -take ^"" '° ''" ^'™'- ''''^t-
waI..aLselLr ;:,rt™""'^'"
boys," said Hose, sm1li„„„rah'" """' "'"' ^'""
»a his feet. epttin,c.i:h:r::f:r ^"'^^•"""^^•
J •"« certainly i» a great improvement on the chair
t t
222
ROSE IN BLOOM.
business, to which I have (IcvoteJ myself with such
energy that I 've broken the backs of two partners
and dislocated the arm of the old rocker. I took an
occasional turn with that heavy party, thinking it good
practice in case I ever happen to dance with stout
ladies," and Mac nodded toward Annabel, pounding
gaily away with Mr. Tokio, whose yellow countenance
beamed as his beady eyes rested on his \AnmY> fiancee.
Pausing in the midst of her merriment at the image
of Mac and the old rocking-chair. Rose said reprov-
ingly, —
"Though a heathen Chinee, Fun puts you to
shame ; for he did not ask foolish questions, but went
a wooing like a sensible little man ; and I 've no doubt
Annabel will be very hajjpy."
" Choose me a suitable divinity, and I will try to
adore. Can I do more than that to retrieve my char-
acter ? " answered Mac, safely landing his partner, and
plying the fan according to instructions.
"How would Emma do?" inquired Rose, whose
sense of the ludicrous was strong, and who could not
resist the temptation of horrifying Mac by the sug-
gestion.
« Never! It sets my teeth on edge to look at her
to-night. I suppose that dress is ' a sweet thing just
out ; ' but, upon my word, she reminds me of nothing
but a harlequin ice," and Mac turned his back on her
with a shudder ; for he was sensitive to discords of all
kinds.
sug-
JUSt
^T KlTTrs BALL. 223
" She certainly does • onri f>.o* •
people ,vo..M co„»i,er it doyed; ie''^' "T^
favorite word I H,,n,^ ''^ ' '^ '"^^ her
a Spana,, mat..o;r : ^;:r"/'r^^ ^-■- -'^^ "'^^
Rose, much tickled bvM, °* I-^^'-gua," added
«i.„ . °y "'^ new conceit.
'ni,.a.ttmigetl>erbeforeIdee,c n>
"img r 'in sure of, — she »l,.,li , \ "' ""»
'Junee.ofthetim of itel '-': ""/I'" '^ ^''-^^
"'g with g,.eat di.fav„; ;:;.„n.r''"'':''-^S'-'"'-
«tutues,„e flg„,,, affected *"!''/,;'''"' '"''"'« ^
clinging description. ' ^ "'" '™"'>' "nd
" Then it is of no use to su<rffest thn. „i •
-, as yon reject™, first attCXo~^^
you good"; for;o:; , r: r ^ ^'-"^ --'^ ">
yon shut yourself ud iS ^'"" *""«. if
ing feilow in th it t l,' TT'T ' ^°'"^' ^-'■
-nd«ct„yse,f,i,,:t:,4-;.^2yn,a,„„,
you may be right about the bo^ks fir ,i "'"'
-ts of intemrorance. and atb -Iry L "^'°'"'^
to me as a bar-room to a toper 1 1 ,"' '"•'^™'»"''
pledge, and cork up the onlv b 1 f "" '° '"S" *
■ny inkstand." ^ ''""''^ *•■•■" t^-nP'^ me, _
op idyiigTna'::;!" '"""^, " '^''^"'' "> ='^^'--
^ ' and so clear your brains for
Stop
put
f\
\\' '
224
ROSE IN BLOOM.
a ne^v start hj and by. Do : I should .0 like to read
It, cried Koso, delighted with the project ; for she
was sure Mac could do any thing he hked in that
line.
"First live, then write. How can I go to romancing
tilllknow what ron.ance means? "he aske,l soberly
fooling that so far he ha,l had very little in his life.
" Then you must find out, and nothing will help you
more than to love some one very much. Do as I Ve
advised, and be a modern Diogenes going about with
spectacles, instead of a lantern, in search, not of an
honest man, but a perfect woman. I do hope you
will be successful," and Rose made her courtesy as tlie
dance ended.
"I don't expect perfection, but I should like one as
good as they ever make them now-a-days. If you are
looking for the honest man, I wish you success in re-
turn, said Mac, relinquishing her fan with a glance of
such sympathetic significance that a quick flush of feel
mg rose to the girl's face, as she answered very low -
^ " If honesty was all I wanted, I certainly have found
It in you."
Then she went away with Charlie, who was waiting
for his turn, and Mac roamed about, wondering if any
where in all that crowd his future wife was hidden
saying to himself, as he glanced from face to face'
quite unresponsive to the various allurements dis-
played, —
" What care I liovv fair'slie be,
If she be not fair for rue ? "
! to read
; for she
in that
mancing
soberly,
I life.
^el]) you
as I 've
)ut with
t of JIM
>1)C you
Y as tJie
one as
^ou are
I in re-
ance of
of feel-
low, —
found
raiting
if any-
idden,
> face,
3 dis-
^T KiTTrs BALL.
225
ti'o cl,ao, to which muti '" °''''" <"" "*
c«rh,_ '""^'' '=«'««o Imd reduced her
1 think you do, else whv diVlnV
^^I»en he asked ? You In ^^'^ ^''''"* ^"'"^
<i-tte:whydidyounorr>"^'^^^^^^^^^^^
" I didn't like to do it till T l,n^
l»m 80," stammered Kitty fir .'■ """^ """i''"'' tell
"-0 settled the .atS/:^;^t"R'^ ""' ""'«' "
reticular, and had esne,.;..! ' '*' '""' ""'7
^on, because he was not o T '" ^'^'"«' "''' P^-
Others astray likewise. ^""''^''"^ «^ S^tan to lead
r«de, dear: but I really must
■noy uch people, even though I
deel
226
ROSE IN BLOOM.
meet them liere," said Rose, remembering Charlie's
revelations on New-Year's night, and hardenin^r her
heart against the man who had been his undoi.Tr, on
that as well as on other occasions, she had reason to
believe.
" I couldn't help it ! Old Mr. Randal and papa are
friends ; and, though I spoke of it, brother Alf wouldn't
hear of passing that bad boy over," explained Kittv
eagerly. ■^ *
" Yet Alf forbade your driving or skating with him •
for he knows better than we how unfit he is to coraj
among us
I d drop him to-morrow if I could ; but I must be
civil m my own house. His mother brought him, and
he won't dare to behave here as he does at their
bachelor parties."
" She ought not to have brought him till he had
shown some desire to mend his ways. It is none of
my busiaess, I know; but I do wish people wouldn't
be so inconsistent, letting boys go to destruction, and
then expecting us girls to receive, them like decent
people." Rose spoke in an energetic whisper, but
Annabel heard her, and exclaimed, as she turned round
with a powder-puff in her hand,—
" My goodness. Rose ! what 'is all that about goincr
to destruction ? " <= &
"She is being strong-minded; and I don't very
much blame her in this case. But it leaves me in a
dreadful scrape," said Kitty, supporting her spirits
with a snilt of aromatic vinegar.
Charlie's
L'Tiing her
idoiiig on
reason to
papa are
wouldn't
ed Kitty,
nth him ;
to come
must be
liim, and
at their
he had
none of
wouldn't
ion, and
decent
•er, but
d round
t goin
g
't very
le in a
spirits
^T KITTY'S BALL. g-'T
f "dal a nice „o™„ to C-f", 7""" ^"""S
Annabel and Em,ua with J „,; ^"' ""•"<"' '»
-f «"<! it ens, to abide Lr:;": •'"'/" '"" ''"
doing annoyed friends P'mciples when so
«"o«Sl. to spoi, the whole r"l°" '"" '^ '""'"^' "^
no '"•others," responded Cabe,",",f^' ' '™ «"'
h- pink „„„, ,„,, „„,^-;^^;'' P'-dir powdering
™nfl.7 white streaks left „„ , ^ '^^ """""•y of
"^think that sort of °" ^^''-'^ """t-sleeves.
"3'ou 'i. -ens::; ; ::r'r ^%" -^ "'-<-'.
posed to know any thinl thl't ,!' ""' "'= "°' ™P-
"■"3 »o on : but to treat°evt ^'''' ""'' ''"^''^^^'
f"-y and pr„dish,"t d 2 '""" ''""'' »"'' -' "e
colored streamers ;ith "he t ' '""''"« ''^^ '"»"y--
the world, aged tw!n,y ^'''"'"' ""• "^ " ''Oman of
viiityh;v^el"!ffl;'77^;2<'f »" "■'""« -"^^ «i-
'^"1 not encourage \^Ledn! '° f^ ^'""''thing else,
"eedn't scold and pre! hb" '"^ ""''• ^«
--'' people; and 'hat ti^ d!' "" "'"^ *° '^'■"'^
'3°"'t iiice ,0 be shunned , v'""' «°""^' ^"^ they
^"'"^ -oiety. UncLX^oM " '"" '"'" ^'-^
man, and I won't " P„ """ '° '•now that
'-■-.th.tsic^^r:er:L":re~>
ong prejudice against " that mal" ^^ ""
for^
her
m
228
ROSE IN BLOOM.
^:^\
« Well, / know him : /think him very jolly, and I 'ni
engaged to dance the German with him after supiier.
He leads quite as well as your cousin Charlie, and ia
quite as fascinating, some people think," returned
Emma, tossing her head disdainfully; for Prince
Charming did not worship at her shrine, and it piqued
her vanity.
In spite of her quandary, Kose could not help smil-
ing as she recalled Mac's comparison; for Emma
turned so red with spiteful chagrin, she seemed to
have added strawberry-ice to the other varieties com-
posing the Harlequin.
"Each must judge for herself. I shall follow Aunt
Jessie's advice, and try to keep my atmosphere as pm-e
as I can ; for she says every woman has her own little
circle, and in it can use her influence for good, if she
will. I do- will heartily; and I'll prove that I'm
neither proud nor fussy by receiving, here or, at home,
any respectable man you like to present to me, no
matter how poor or plain or insignificant he may be."
With which declaration Rose ended her protest, and
the four damsels streamed downstairs together like a
wandering rainbow. But Kitty laid to heart what she
had said; Annabel took credit to herself for siding
with her; and Emma owned that she was not try* : '
to keep her atmosphere pure when she came to dance
with the objectionable Randal. So Rose's "little cir-
cle" was the better for the influence she tried to exeit,
although she never knew it.
r, and I'm
er supper,
•lie, and ia
returned
>r Princo
it piqued
liclp smil-
)r Emma
ecmed to
3ties corn-
low Aunt
•e as pwo
jwn little
3d, if she
that I'm
at home,
) me, no
lay be."
)test, and
er like a
what she
)r siding
ot try-"-
to dance
ittle cir-
to exeit.
^T KiTTrs BALL. 229
:^" «"PPer.timo, Charlie kept near hor i v
q»-te content with him • f ? ' ^"'^ '^° ""^^
^i-awhimshak "he:^^^^^^^
^«» beckoned him tow rd In l! "" "^'^'" ^^""o
the sound of penning Jl , T '''' ^''^'" ^'^^«"««
^-auenc,as^.S:t^tr^'^''^'^^^^^^^^^^
"-Dear fellow, he does trv » fi u ^
T^ T" '"'y «-»*"' for ^eJ^ ' '" """ '-'
;;Reaij.?..eriedIW, delighted,
half so bright a,"d be! % ^^'""° ""^"' ^™» »»'
-o^^at .; o::tX":;",:: etritr-
upstairs as if on wings. ^ ^^^"^
When she came down acrain Ohn v
hall, howeve,.; and, after X 'at "" "'" '" *■'
offered to go and find him fo ^, 'r """'"'^' «-»
hunting a lost rubber ab^: "* '''""' '^^^ ""'
^oZ;~^to"" rtl!"-« ■>-"•' -e if he
too much of h
said Rose, not wishing to dema:
^i- promising penitent
lud
f
230
ROSE IN BLOOM.
I! jl
I
l! hi
"If he has gone into that bar-room, I'll have him
out, no matter who is there ! » growled Mac to him-
self, as he made his way to the small apartment
whither the gentlemen retired for a little private re-
freshment when the spirit moved, as it often did
The door was ajar, and Charlie seemed to have iust
entered; for Mac heard a familiar voice call out, in a
jovial tone, —
" Come, Prince ! you 're just 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 ; but I 'm on duty, and must go."
Ihat s a new dodge. Take a stirrup-cup anyway
and come back in time for a merry-go-rounder when
you ve disposed of the ladies," answered the youn«.
host, diving into the wine-cooler for another bottle "^
« Charlie 's going in for sanctity, and it doesn't seem
to agree with him," laughed one of the two other
young men, who occupied several chairs apiece, 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 yours will get you into trouble," re-
torted Charlie, conscious that he ought to take his own
advice yet lingering, nervously putting on his gloves,
While the glasses were being filled.
"Now, brother-in-law, fire away I Here you are,
have him
c to hini-
ipartment
rivate re-
did,
have just
out, in a
» us drink
?ht, Van.
ist go."
anyway,
ler when
e young
ottle.
n't seem
'o other
, resting
tie bluer
ying to
•row, or
le," re-
^lis own
gloves,
3u are,
AT KlTTrs BALL.
231
to hTeo.i'i:'";:'^' \«"'^^ "-- the table
for the boys all knew ri, , "'"" ^" *»' doing;
'-0 to defend U^l^T ""'""'' '"'' "^"^"^
t-d't\*t'': w!'' "^^ *"'=™- "— . Mac en-
abbreviated^and .S' ''"'™""S ""^ "--go in an
::f;e^^.ai.i„rr;rr:^:™'-
And Steve was lifting th, ^. '"^ , "«''o '« to you ! "
Mao knocked the gU° Z Tf T 1 "'"^ ''>^' '"'^■'
the eye that caused Li/bot \ '' '""' " ""^ »*
f--th ope, in t^ !:;!;•;--;-'.!». With
.oe^ed to excite Jfac stil, n.o • fo ^"'' '''"""
young host, he said in a l„. •' ' "''"'"S to his
that .ade the genUeVenTnTrr'^i'"'"'-''
denly,-_ "° ^^^ Ci^airs sit up sud-
-a tTdt:;;:;!™"^ « - ^ but I can.
beyond his strength or It" r'" """"''^^ '»'>»
Tbat -s plain En^lFsl/: bL / f ''""« »* bimself.
for I know not one „f v „ t" n' '"'" ^'"'"'-= -';
«e, and you wi„ if y^. r.^ ' l!"':""^"- Char-'
-»u you Will if you (Jo,,^ , , , . » -^
Winf fi^ . ^^^ ^'"1 alone,
vvnat do you ntr-h , •„...__ „ . _
you pitch into me for ? I
ve done noth-
iM
.it
232
ROSE m BLOOM.
I> !»
!"%•„ ^!^^^''^ """'* ^' "'"^^^ ^» ^^« «^^" J^O"«e, mustn't
he ? asked Van, good-humoredly, as he faced about,
corkscrew in hand.
;' Yes but it is not civil to urge or joke a guest into
doing what you know and he knows is bad for him
That s only a ghiss of wine to you, but it is perdition
to Charhe ; and, if Steve knew what he was about,
he d cut hjs right hand off before he 'd offer it "
"Do you mean to say I 'm tipsy?" demanded Steve,
rufflmg up hke a little game-cock ; for, though he saw
now^what he had done and was ashamed of it, he
hated to have Mac air his peculiar notions before other
people.
"With excitement, not champagne, I hope: for I
wouldn't own you if you were," answered Mac, in
whom mdignation was effervescing like th^ wine in
the forgotten bottle; for the men were all young
friends of Steve's and admirers of Charlie's. "Look
here, boys," he went on more quietly : « I know I ou<vht
not to explode in this violent sort of way, but up^on
my life I couldn't help it, when I heard what you were
saying and saw what Steve was doing. Since I have
begun I may as well finish, and tell you straight out
that Prince can't stand this sort of thing. He is try
ing to flee temptation, and whoever leads him into it
does a cowardly and sinful act ; for the loss of one's
own self-respect is bad enough, without losin. the
more preci^ous things that make life worth hiving.
Dont tell him I've said this, but lend a hand if you
56, mustn't
:ed about,
guest into
L for him.
perdition
as about,
it."
ed Steve,
h he saw
of it, he
ore other
•e; for I
Mac, in
wine in
young,
"Look
I ought
ut upon
ou were
I have
ght out
is try.
into it
)f one's
ng the
having,
if you
^T KITTT^ BALL. 233
can, and never hnvo f^
■'now.odge .hat Zl t^^T '""T"' "'"■ *"«
80..1 and body." * '° ™'» » f<'"ow-creature,
It was well for +1,^
that 1.S hearl" IT "' "'""'^ «-' --^e,
outburst wa. not ^i^'^Z" ""' """ ^ ^ "'^
'-tened to in silence, wh ,e « e'"" ^ "'"°''"'-' '""
changed from one o 1 iti .'""'""" °^ "'" ^"^"^^
for earnestness is a t ; "ZL"'"? T' -^■"'^""
of this sort seldom failsM , ?' """ '='''"»P»nship
«Po"od. ••. ■■,, paled ti^ ° '""'^ '^^ y«' "»■
in his e.,,.„ .oiee vl 'V" ''"''"^"t "ttle quiver
".re. d„.„ the ^.Irertd'off: IT " ' ""'"
-ying heartiiy, i„ ,p,, of 'hisltr!^ '^^° '"' '>-^.
foro?e:a:rd:;r;i:::r,''"f-''^''Mendaha„d
the finest fellow I know ^ ^ "^ ^''■■"•"" ' ^or he 's
poor Randa, ifVca:;:ipt,.*^"' '" *° '"^ ''-'' ""«
Murmurs of appi^s^ f
express a general assent toT,, • *™ '"""''"^ to
"nd, giving the hand a grateful Ir^r"' '"""'"™' =
the door, anxious to be off , ' """ '•'""•'''"^<' to
t^withsuehunlt^Ltr.'J'--- freed his
tH vaT ";.:xTo r"=" 'r '- '- -- ^o-
;» take it out irLij::i7-r •''•'' ^-
t^a \ f;:,^r'r - "•'■-PtV as he eame,
- '•«"'-<ieamess"ofit;b„t„„^:
fi'
(■
t
I'. !
rH
feel
!
234
ROSE IN BLOOM.
fortmg h,mself with the thought that perhaps he had
th.nk,„g^„th a droll .„i,e as he went back ; his
"My romance begins by looking after other girls'
1 can t tell Rose, so s/ie won't laugh at me."
I ii
CHAPTER XIII.
£077/ SIDES.
gTEVE'S engagement made a great stir in the
lamily: a pleasant one this time; for nobody
objected every thing seemed felicitous, and the coursi
of true love ran very smoothly for the young couple,
who promised to remove the only obstacle to their
umon by growing old and wise as soon as possible.
wla " ,. r '° ^™"'"^'y ■'•■'PPy. the little
love, s airs would have been unbearable ; for he nat
routed all mankind in general, his brother udelde.
cousins in particular.
claied, standing before the fire i„ Aunt Clara's bill.
behind? ^''T'*'"' "'''"■ ""^ '"'"'"'"' ""i^ h^-J'
behind his back,._"no nonsense, no delay, no domes-
fl :!»i
n
ips he had
oense, and
ack to his
ther girls'
yself J but
r in the
nobody
»e course
? couple,
to their
possible,
le little
he pat-
id elder
' he de-
■a's bill-
3 hands
domes-
^om SIDES. 235
""'Ithin; and, whenT Ll„ f 'f*'" "'™"Sl> thick
'^-- o.-ea.u,.e adore" , e Lt !,"^ "'''™' ">»' '"»
«>« ^ord like a n>a„ aid T ""^ '-"^ »». -y
" An very ensv „/ . '" ^°" »'•''•"
y- "P eve,,. ,i„„ ':t "d r" '^■- ""'' *"P
"""ered Charlie, kno'eUnlThwTr"' "" """■'''"
« -<'"«f to hit something ° i, . "^°"' ''^ '^ " ^''™
l«'d humor that eveni : 'b ° "'"^ '" " Sloriously ■
"■« hands .inee he ,7^^:, '""" """S '--, i
- W withont danger CZJ^;; '""'''"' "^ ^'^
-e:''h:::t::::;;;:;/«'-otion3;,o.,,
'"-• K%'. so; doll tir°^'"""'^''-^
respect, have n,y own ^,„„;,Ji/^ *'^« «hom with
r>"--^-%and::::r;?-5
iand. '"^""'■^ oh.pwreok in sight of
=""« heingv and t !„ t" '" ?" "" ''"«"''^' "--«"■
Sood Shot whieh won SS r^^" '^ '"^''<" ''
""alwayswerealiickviiTfi ,' „
•'^^-"^e ,o„ a particle ',.;>"' ''■'^«- ^ -^^'t
'•><"- as if things weren't ouite v""""'' """ " •^'""
quite tau- sometimes," said
i
m
i
236
ROSE IN BLOOM.
Archie, suppressing an envior. sigli ; for, though he
seldom complained, it was impossible to contrast his
own and his cousin's prospects with perfect equa-
nimity. ^
'His
Always
observed Mac,
worth
confides
lines forth the brightest who in hope
'''"'■ • the abject soul despairs/"
rved Mac, quoting Jiuripides in a conversational
tone, as he lay upon a divan reposing after a hard
days work.
"Thank you," said Archie, brightening a little ; for
a hopeful word from any source was very comfortable.
^ That s your favorite Rip, isn't it ? He was a
wise old boy, but you could find advice as good as that
nearer home, put in Steve, who just then felt equal
to slapping Plato on the shoulder; so elated was he at
being engaged "first of all the lot," as he gracefully
expressed it. ^
"Don't halloo till you are ont of the wood, Dandy:
Mrs. K,t has jilted two men, and may a third ; so you 'd
better not brag of your wi.dom too soon ; for she may
make a fool of you yet," said Charlie, cynieally, his
views of hfe being very gloomy about this time.
" No, she won't, Steve, it you do your part honestly.
There s the making of a good little woman in Kitty
and she has proved it by taking you instead of those
other fellows. You are not a Solomon, but you 're ?,ot
spoilt yet ; and she had the sense to see it," said Mac
encouragingly from his corner; for he and his brother
■'- *^^"-?
though he
iontrast his
rfect equa-
j hope
versational
-er a hard
little ; for
mfortable.
He was a
)od as that
felt equal
was he at
gracefully
[, Dandy :
so you 'd
• she may
ically, his
ne.
honestly,
in Kitty,
of those
u 're liot
aid Mac,
} brother
^OTII STDES. 23^
^'--l «pon the hcanh-™'^:? *V™»-'- ""
coat-taih, rising and falli,,; u ''^'' ""<"«■• his
'•t^-'-fhisneatlltt:;:™"'^'^"!'™ «>o toes
havenT;: '"g^t'lf t"*? Tl T- °" '"^ """^ =
■f ever there ,vas a poor devil h„ ." "'"""S^' ^"^
i' i» C. C. Campbell ''LI " """'^'"' "" ^"' «'■•"■.
«hm on his one C i'h TZ '''"' '"^'""^ ''-
countonaneesfortrjltoterT-^'r''"^^'"'' "'
"o,-k till one gets used "to I ^ ^ " °''^" ^"'-y ^-d
-r^c'dToTerttT"^'' ^"'' '^ '^ --^
»Pon his back, repeated on o'b^^'? "'" '^'"^ flat
Beaumont and Fletcher; for he hZ " ^''' *™"'
"■■^•^"^-••'^-'»«poetr;;'':Lt;::rt::ir-
Command, .1, ,ig,,., „„ f„„„^'„= ™"
him. '6 ^^e one that undid
His cousins never knew
exactly what occurred
on
'- ^'iiii
■iff
r>
238
ii f
i Ml!
Ill !!
11!
1
II M
SOSE IN BLOOM.
m
New.Tear's night, but suspected that Bomethfn,. wa,
am..; for Cha-lie ha., the Mue. and Rose, h X
' IZ f Ti '' " "" """"""'^ "»'' ^«"<!--d "t this
^^ue of things, yet discreetly made no remark ti
o ::;:„tr :;r:r™ --'^^--^-^^
that hp hi ^ ''"'"^ *^"^' ^hich showed
"Never you mind, little boy; but this I will say
the better w^ompn orn +1,^ ^' —
Tbey donCr ' ""''' ''»™«<'nal"e they are.
J hey don t require us to be saints lil^e themselves
wh,ch .s ucky ; but they do expect us to renTer 1'
honest and a perfect man • sometimes, and that is ask
cS;:rtoTt\'ntr- T "^^ '^^''--
-.e^L.coCsilTL^S:!^----
^0, It isn't," said Ma., decidedly.
lething was
', though as
is long ab-
t'ed ".t this
eraark, till
seized this
-h showed
c; regard-
so seldom
' make of
the blues.
ill say, —
they are.
em'selves,
nder ' an
t is ask-
lis," said
I he had
pleased
iddenly
condi-
men to
3 when
it, ones
SOTH SWES.
"""•nlf ns good as theira If,.
'ove, they 'd ,ee what Tj ? "''"'"''' "'■"'''"I I-y
*>'-. »<I ..ot ,„ake Ih bad b '''"'"'" ^'^ '•■"'« "'
" TTr./^« "^" har> ains "
Upon my word th^ i m
"■ff 'Women's Rights • dirll; ""^ '""• P--™"^-
"raa^ed at this outburst. '" """^ ^''^'' -""ch
"I've begun you see nn^
yon," answered Mac K .""* ='""' "■''y it do
again. ^'"'' '"^'"S itself p,a„id,; a^^t
"W^ell, but look here m,n
wrong side," put in Archie J, if" "'■'' "^^'"^ °" "'«
•"« feeling that he mus tstal I V''^'''''"^ '^'"> '"».
^ "Never „i„d sides uphoM^f'.' T'" "' "" -^'''
""■J i«- You needn't stare Ste "f '^''^^"•^■' r""
go.ng to look into this l^Ue^^l: '' """ ^O" ^ --
I '«• wrapt up in books b„ r '"'• ^°" ""■"'' "
»•>« .-3 going on round me hanr ?'"'* ""'' ""'^'^ "^
getting on in this new bn„ h I . """«""'' '"^ ^ '">
-f...isgoodforn,e,rda;!:;.r '^" ^-= ."ite
i-oth aLTd t?;:i:::::'";j'-f"-'^ed charb-e,
"><>■•« than he owned even to L^/' '"""P^^'ed Mao
-ever alluded to the tirelyw " "' "' *''""^'' ""^ "^"l
" Yes, I think of it." ^ ™°=' ""'""er forgot.
•'How will you begin?"
"Do my best all roun,9 . i,
good books, love good thin- If ""..."""P-^' -^
I f
I':
bodyasfaX;,;rA:!!r'»^-'«vat
fully and wisely
as I can."
e soul and
R*
240
ROSE IN BLOOM.
I
"And you expect to succeed, do you?"
« Please God, I will."
The quiet energy of Mac's last vrords produced a
momentary silence. Charlie thoughtfully studied the
carpet; Archie, who had been absently poking the
fire, looked over at Mac as if he thanked him again;
and Steve, forgetting his self-conceit, began to wonder
if it was not possible to improve himself a littlij for
Kitty's sake. Only a minute ; for young men do not
give much time to thoughts of this kind, even when
love stirs up the noblest impulses within them. To
act rather than to talk 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 off-
hand way, as he laughed and twirled his cue,
" Do you intend to reach the highest point of per-
fection 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 some good woman ' to lend a hand '
when I 've got any thing worth offering her. Kot a
saint, for I never shall be one myself, but a gentle
creature who will help me, as I shall try to help her ;
so that we can go on together, and finish our work
hereafter, if we haven't time to do it here."
If Mac had been a lover, he would not have dis-
cussed the subject in this simple and sincere fashion,
though he might have felt it far more deeply; but
BOTH SIDES.
241
oduced a
idicd the
king the
m again;
5 wonder
little for
1 do not
'en when
em. To
most of
*, having
in an o£f-
of per-
jaints, or
short of
[ plan, I
a hand '
Not a
a gentle
elp her ;
ur work
ave dis-
fashion,
3ly; but
being qnite heart-free he frankly showed hi, i„f. .
and, curiously enoiK^h out of ,/!"''''''' ^''^ "^t^^-^^t,
«^ • , """o''> out Of his wise youno- head nn
COnsClOUsIv o-ovn ♦!,« ♦! , » "^'**' """
wMch ti,;^:: ued ^:: "?™ '^''"•" '"■" --'
preached. ' '"'' •"■ P™"^«<» ^^'^^ he
through it, he boheM " a d"™ rf" '"'""^ f "'
which to choose hi. future 7Z . "°""™' '"^
wett:X:M^. t a '"; ''"'"^^-^°°- ^^'"^
With a„ its benches. tLl'tL:,; ^^^f
«i,-.bead,Kitt;ir';:rhi'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
her best to encourage all the new I,„n. T '
^P.-i..ging up in it „:der th vaLhI tbfs "?"'''''"- "
affection she had ever kno J ° '''"' «'^"""«
with' youZ'o'n T"' b° ""^'^ """' ^"-'""^ "-«»"
for the first 1! '""iT """'' ^ '■•"=« » ""--'
mt, 111 sc time m mv Ufn " k^^ -ur-
i". I^erself and pn„i„g V't ^ I ' ^^ r ^^ -^^
was one which needed a fi-^ ~ ' '^'' '"^J'^'
"Tell
aw
grasp,
ay, and don't mind if I
16
I
il'r tt
Ml
'I
go on working, as
242
ROSE IN BLOOM.
I want to finish this job to-day," answered Rose, with
a long-liandled paint-brush in her hand, and a great
pair of shears nt Jicr side.
"You are always so busy! What is it now? Let
me help : I can talk faster when I 'm doinjr some-
thing," Avhich seemed hardly possible; for Kitty's
tongue went like a niill-clai)per at all hours.
"Making j.icture-books for tny sick babies at the
hospital. Pretty work, isn't it? You ci out, and
I '11 paste them on those squares of gay cambric : then
we just tie up a few pages with a ribbon ; and there
is a nice, light, durable book for the poor dears to
look at as they lie in their little beds."
"A capital idea. Do you go there often? How
ever do you find the time for such things?" asked
Kitty, busily cutting from a big sheet the touching
picture of a parent bird with a red head and a blue
tail, offering what looked like a small boa-constrictor
to one of its nestlings ; a fat young squab with a green
head, yellow body, and no tail at all.
"I have plenty of time now I don't go out so much ;
for a party uses up two days generally, — one to pre'
pare for it, and one to get over it, you know."
" 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 peculiar bringing up. I always
take your part, and say it is a pity other girls haven't
as sensible an education ; for I don't know one who
is as satisfactory on the whole as you are."
BOTH SIDES.
lose, with
d a great
DW ? Lot
ng some-
r Kittv's
I.
Bs at tlio
out, and
ric: then
incl there
dears to
I ? How
?" asked
touch in sr
i a bhie
nstrictor
I a green
much ;
i to pre-
• society
1 pious,'
I always
haven't
3ne who
243
haven, .ors.o,.,. ...r; :^ JTjT^, "^ '
to concerts and lecture, in,!,., 1 , ' "• ' «"
"nd J,.,ve nice time, " ,1 "''' °' ^■""•'^ ""•"?•".
fun ...s well a, ev "but I "' ^"" ''"""• ' ''''<'
must be prepliZ a lit, f T"'"^' ""' ^"" ^'O' •■"><»
one never ZZ J let t"" "' """ """ "' '""^ '
thou-.|ufuIlv ^1 "^ ■■""°'" ^^"'1 Rose,
thofini'^rptrr: ;::'"'■'-' ■■''^'^-^°--
"That reminds mo of winf T „,„». i
you'll believe me, mv dear t ? '" '"''• "
idea into his herd Trj "' «"' """ "^^
™ • >w *• ... »»., ,r™.„. .. "•' ' '' «"'
do . .L T -^^^^ ^°" * sniile ; I reallv
better as fast I I Z ioJs^ "' ' T' '° ^"'^
.o^de„on.bfor„e;l■sf;hl!r;^s.^'-'--
" Is there more than one way ? "
»■
i
fr
f' r-
1
1;''
1
»hf '
1
i
t
i
1
244
ROSE IN BLOOM.
«
'Yes, I fancy so ; because some people improve so
much after they fall in love, and others do not at all.
Have you never observed that ? "
"I never learned how to observe. Of course I
know that some matches turn out 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 had a 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 question I like, and always
get a good answer. It is such a nice way to learn,
Kitty; for you don't have to poke over books, but as
thmgs come along you talk about them, and remember-
and when they are spoken of afterward you under'
stand and are interested, though you don't say a word "
explained Rose. '
"It must be nice; but I haven't anyone to do so
lor me Papa is too busy, and mamma always says
when I ask questions, * Don't trouble your head with
such things, child - so I don't. What did you learn
about matches turning out well ? I 'm interested in
that, because I want mine to be quite perfect in all
respects."
"After thinking it over, I came to the conclusion
that uncle icas righo, and it is not always safe to marry
a person just because you love him," began Rose
trying to enlighten Kitty without betraying herself '
BOTH SIDES.
245
« Of course not : if they haven't money or are bad
JJiit otlicrwise T rlnn'f o^^ i. ^ ^^'
Kitty, wondeLgl;: """ """ '^ ■"''="^^'" ^-^
" One should stop and see if if ;= « • i
to help both parties, naleaVt, r" '""' "''^'^
ttLttrr''^^'''""^^''''-^'-^^^^^^^^
the fiist time (y„„ don't know the man • ,> •
afte,. yon ,,e„t away, a„d I wa nruteU" '"'
one ve,.y i„.nat„..ed,y »aid I .honid '<^Tt Zl
and repent at leisure •' qnrl ti.nf t ^ ^®
ine how it wonld Z.l to 1 ! " "/ ''^ '" ''■""="-
«-av„3 (Who haHL j,^i;t;r-'^'?
and it worried me so to think of t that [ b oVl^'
eng..^.e„,ent, and was so g,ad ever aft '"ard »"'^ '"^
-lou were a wise mH • onrl t i
so many people are who do marry in h Ite nd h ' "
lifetime to repent in a . t ^ ^''^''^ ^
knows." ^ "^""^ ^^^^^^ ^'-^^^ ««' and she
"Don't be solemn, Rose. It fido-ets me fn fi,- ]
about lifetimes, and respecting and all h
ble thino-« T > *' '^'^ *"^se responsi-
-nie thmgs. I 'm not used to it, and I d >n'f i i,
to do it " "" ^ ^""'•^ ^ow
: !
U-r
^Wl
246
ROSE IN BLOOM.
M
pI
I
Hi
i
" But you must think, and you must learn how
before you take tlie responsibility upon yourself. That
IS what your life is for ; and you mustn't spoil it by
doing a very solemn thing without seeing if you are
ready for it." ^
^ " Do you think about all this ? » asked Kitty, shrug-
ging up her shoulders as 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 fvom herself.
« Oh, dear, no ! The most serious thing of all is
this. Steve is putting himself in order generally, and
so I want to do my part; and I must begin right away
before m.y thoughts get distracted with clothes, and all
sorts 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 mind by reading
something solid ? » and Kitty looked over at the welt
filled book-case, as if to see if it contained any thin<r
large and dry enough to be considered " solid."
« It would be an excellent plan, and we '11 look up
something. What do you feel as if you needed
most ? "
" A little of every thing I should say ; for when I
look into my mind there really doesn't seem to be
much there but odds and ends, and yet I 'm sure I 've
read a great deal more than some girls do. I suppose
novels don't count, thouo-1
jh, and are of
"0 use: for,
BOTH SIDES.
earn how
elf. That
^oil it by
f you are
ty, shrug-
any sort
1 that all
s to turn
of all is
ally, and
jht away
3, and all
i I can't
*vhere to
reading
;he well-
ly thing
look up
needed
when I
a to be
ire I 've
suppose .
Jej for,
247
goodness knowMhe people and things they describe
aren t a bit like the real ones."
" Some novels are very useful and do as much good
as .ermons I've heard uncle say; because they not
only describe truly, but teach so pleasantly that peoj.le
Ike to learn in that way," said Hose, who knew the
sort o books lutty had read, and did not wonder that
Bhe elt rather astray when she tried to guide herself
by tJieir teaching'.
"You pick me out some of the right kind, and I '11
apply my .nind to them. Then I ought to have some
seriousviews'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 cuttin/
as housewives pull cotton ^r calico when they want "°a
good firm article."
Rose could not help laughing now, though much
pleased; for Kitty was so prettily in earnest, and yet
60 perfectly ignorant how to begin on the self-improve-
ment she very much needed, that it was pathetic as
well as comical 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, for she has
very 'firm' ones, I assure you," said Rose, soberin<.
down as quickly as possible. '^
" Mercy on us ! I should never dare to say a word
about it to Mrs. Mac : for I 'm dreadfujlv afr
her, she is so stern ; and how I
a 01
m ever to get on when
i
* Hi
J! ji
. %
.ml
h
In ''I'
11
248
■&
ROSE IN BLO.-^U.
she is my mother-in-law I don't know ! " cried Kittr
ol sp,ns her hands in dismay at the idea. ^'
.'he isn't haif as stern as she looks ■ ,„,! ;f
to her without fear vou 'vp „„ a I ' ^°" «"
helnfpl «!,. • r K "° "^""^ ^"^ ^^^ible and
h pful she ,s. I used to be frightened out of my wits
in alHhinl" "' '^ '' " """"^ ^"^ """S^'
" She certainly is the straightest woman I ever saw
and the most precise. I never shall forget how sea ed'
It tz '";: """ -^ "^ *» - -■ ^^^ « -
a mec. knob, and tried to act like a sober sedate
looked hke a pretty nun, so I couldn't be as proper as
I wished. Mrs. Mac was very kind, of eou,.. ' Cut her
-:r.::T'^d^:n:ro'::::\-^'--^^^^
-ntto„o«myboot!rdi:';r::;-S'r
mmutes every nio-ht " ^lirl !,';« •
tone. ^' '" "» awe-stricten
"She likes you, though, and so docs ancle, and he 's
«et h,s heart on having you live with them bl ",k1 bv
»o don't mind her eyes, but look straight up ^t ,^ '
and you',, see how kind they can grow '■ ^ ''
doesn t hke gn-ls generally. Steve told me h- a ' '
had the 'making of a canitnl lli.i "
Wasn't it nice of him ? T '™™'" '" "'^•'
he do.. NuTat Ala """^ *" ^"''"'^' '^'-'Sh
- --iugn at Mac someiunes."
Kitty,
BOTH SIDES.
249
" Don't disappoint them dpir Pr,«^
lately !ve UtZu T 7 ' " " ""'" S°°-.- ""'
Iiad ft,. ; ; °'" ~'"'' «» cornet)- - if I
Jiaci the right sort of helo T 'II „„ , '
good discipline." ^ '' "'''"°'' ^ ''•'"•« ^"^ '' '^
Rose promised, and both worked in ..-i
-ment ; then Kitty asked rarer tt id", '"""^ ''' ^
you trieft'lffl"'"""^ "■^'"= '"'^ "'-"»»'' ^ S'-
L,.e!;f:r.rx^.::^ ------
" ^^^ ^^« ^'-^^ ^^'J>at he calls an « artistic fit ' Inf nl .
«pas..dio .nd,,oi„g so„,e .r^yTZ^^'^Z
'"onf;\,:'£t't'^'»-''>^^-"Mhee:
T'lJ foJ -^ ^^ ^ ^'"^^^ variety at once
o «: Xn'rT'™"' ^"-^ Porhaps-he'will d„ t
IJoit.ait ot you for Steve. He likes mrW t
gets the likenesses wonderfully U,," ^ '""'' ""'
uecanse, of course, /should know if
!^ff^ '
« T\r
TT e are not.
you were
5)
^50
ROSE IN BLOOM.
" I m glad of it ; for really, Rose, I 'rn afrai, ■ Charlie
hasn t goy fira. principles,' thougi, be .. a i.:.^^^a
fellow and one can't scold him. You don't miud m^
snymg so, do you, dear ?» added Kitty j for Rose did
not answer at once.
"Kot in the least: for you are one .£ us now, and
I can speak frankly, and I will ; for I th.nk in one w.y
yov CO. h<:lp Steve very much. You are ri^ht about
Charlie, .oth as to th- principles and the fascination:
feteve ad,nu-.. hUa exceedingly, and alw.ys from a
boy liked to .ndtate his pleasant ways. Soi^e of them
are vc.y harmless and do Steve good, but .ome are
not. I needn't talk about it, only you must ^.m your
boy that you depend on him to keep out of hann, and
help him do it."
"I will, I will ! and then perhaps, when he is a per-
fect model, Charlie will imitate him. I really begin to
feel as if 1 had a great deal to do," and Kitty boked
as It she was beginning to like it also.
"We all have; and the sooner we go to work the
better for us and those we love. You wouldn't think
now that Phebe was doing any thing for Archie, but
she is; and writes such splendid letters, they stir him
up wonderfully, and make us all love and admire her
more than ever."
" How is she getting on f" asked Kitty, who, though
she called herself a "little goose," had tact en H to
see that Rose did not care to talk about (llmr- ^
"Nicely; for ,.,, know she used to ■ . „ our
^'l^
BOTH SIDES.
251
cho.r, so that was a good .■ocon, men elation for an„,l,cr
She got a fine place in tl>e new elnn-oh at L , ,'
that gnes her a eomfortable salary, ,h„„g„ rf, !'
^ometlnng put. away. Sl>e was always a savin, or ca
ure and kept her wages carefully ; „„ele invest^l tb ,'
and ^,e beg.ns to feel quite independent already. 2
fear but my Pbebe will get on: she has such cnerfl
and manages so well. I sometimes ,vish I could ™„
away and work with her."
"Ah, my dear! we rich girls have our trials as well
as poor ones, though we don't get as much , i^ a
hey do," s,ghed Kitty. "Nobody knows wh.u I
suffer sometimes from worries that I can't t,R- „K .
and I shouldn't get much sympathy ifT ^i ' us ^
c»se I hve m a big house, wear good gowns, ad ave
ots of overs. Annabel used to say she envied me
above all created beings; but she doesn't now, Ind is
perfectly absorbed in her dear little Chinaman Do
you see how she ever could like him » "
for^t"h!t7 '"'T '° ^""'''' ""' "" ^"^- '""^ -=« over
fo. that time; but when Kitty dep..rted, after criticis-
"=g all her dear friends and their respective s we
hearts, she had a helpful little book in her mTff a
resolute expression on her bright face, and so many
excellent plans for self improvement in her busy br I
:f:;.:X"-'''^^--------C;:
%
?!
lilj
lilll
252
A
HOSE IN BLOOM.
CHAPTER XIV.
AUNT CLARA'S PLAN.
gEING seriously alarmed by the fear of losin. the
-heri;::;:;t;:rri7"^^r^-^^'
of the wav of fn ? ' ' ^'^'"^ ^« ^^^P out
p.-operp .„„„„; and he .at Hstlo^./iX!'!';:
or pa.„t-brush, with daily wild rides on bLk bZZ
which seemed to do him m„^a ■ f ,, '^ntm,
was his delight. ^ ' ''""«"' "^ "'^' «"'
People we're used to his whims, and made li^ht of
what they considered a new one ■ h„t ,..i, •. ,
weeic after weeic and a., atte^ t's o' ," lU^'^l
were vain, his jolly comrades gave him I , T
family began to say approvinglyt!!: ^I he 1, "'.''
::°;L::ar:'hrc;rr^^^^^^^^
would hivp hnri 1 • Winning Kose, and she
would have had h.m put on sackcloth and ashes if
that would have secured the prize. She made li^ht
#
AUIfT CLARA'S PLAN.
253
of the cause o( Ro,c'8 di,,,lcas„re, oonsulerin.- I,.r
oxt,.e,„,,, f„o,a. a„d,u.it,.c„a; "/oral, ylZVZ
of any .,,„,t M their liit.e vice., a„,l c=Je o.Tt IZ
cough whe,. tl>e wild oats were sovcd " So
fliilo-r.r] m.„ 1- • , . B"wca. feo she in-
<1 gcd Cha,-ho ,n l„s new vagary, as she had i„ all his
others aud treated hi,„ like an ili-used bein., vv hich
was nenher an inspiring „„r hol„ft,I course on h r p«
Poor soul 1 she saw her mistake by and bv a^^d.^
too late repented of it bitterly ^' ^ "'""
Eose wanted to be kind, and tried in various way,
help her cous.n, feeling very sure she should si
ceed as many another hopeful woman h,, d
wisest ftnd ,t to undo the mistakes of a bad education
But .t was a hard thing to do : for, at the le.as ll !;
commendation or encouragement, he looked h"f
hat she was afraid of seeming to promise too much
2 • f ,"".«""="'. ^to desired to escape the Tusa'
tion of havmg trifled with him.
So life was not very comfortable to either iu,t .!,„
and whUe Charlie was ..nortifyingsoull^^
please her she was studying how to serve him best
Aunt Jessie helped her verv much n,,,!
When they sawVetty Mrc:;;; ,";™:™'.
regularity, tho astitutionals wh: ' ^
•Si
char
^i"g color,
gave her such a
*;^'
254
"risn m BLOOM.
Matters sere.in tliis state, when one rt,„ . .
came to Ku,o from Mrs. Clara. ^ " "°''
It Will do h,m a world of good and deeply oblige
" Your ever loving
"AtjjfT Clara."
Rose read the note tw!o», and stood a moment • ■ „
-n. .ri.,;ra„?;r:toir;:ri:
Bhe dreaded in more w.ys than one. " Thit will V !
"Dear Au^TT,^ I'm afraid of Brur.s- but if
C arhe w.Il go skat:ng .ith .e, I shonl.l en V,l Lv
much, and it would do us both rror ^ T I ^
the new plan with an undi' ' L Xd th"" '"•''
I»- -y love, please, and I it \ "• ^'^
three. , ^na ^ i ^aii expect Him at
" Affectionately,
"Rose."
n
AUNT CIAJIA'S PLAN
skat
Punctually at tli
255
es over J,is arm, and
rcG, Charlie
appeared with h
13
brightened
a very contented face, which
seaLskin
^vondorfully as Rose came d
suit and scarlet ski
ownstairs in a
yenrsagothatheinvohmtari'lyevcl
her skates,— ^
% so like the one sl)e
wo 10
iinied as he took
(C
You look so like little R
and it see, so i :;,a r "" ' """'^ ''"^ y°«
..'n,„. ._ "^ °''' "'""•- ' foel sixteen .■i.v.i,, .,
Tliat
's jiist tlie
•iy
any one oo„,e, tL,! f ' '•''™ ^ «~" -'l'"' before
-"' be out for' oZ'/r "I' ""' "•''■^"-^
^a. not as ligl.t as the one ittle R ' 7 "■'"
thol own jacket • nn,l ,i^ "'"''■'••''' ""<'«'•
ana^:r::r;t,rnr,r T' - -^^
in good condition the Fe J ' '^ "'« '""' ^""^
the keen wind set' th!i l^ 7 '"""'''"« ''""'™'- ■'1
glow. ' "'"'■ '"'"'^ »-"»Sl<= ^^ith a healthful
bo;f L:\:r;rtr; '"<''•'- ^''"^-'••
expa„sebeforethem;frCh.! e ' T "" "'"«
gotten ever, thing b t the b 1 oTr' •°,''"™ ^-
Wmaelf for a little while. "= ^"" =^1*"
"Plnn ? oil
- i"« f Uh, yes , it jg simDlv fhi*Q T »
to lather next month." ^ "" ^^^"S out
i
%
256
ROSE IN BLOOM.
m
i
« Reall V ? " and Rose looked both surprised and in-
credulous ; for this plan was not a new one.
" Really. You don't believe it, but I ain ; and mother
means to go with me. We 've had another letter from
the governor, and he says if she can't part from her
big baby to come along too, and all be hai)py together.
What do you think of that ? " he asked, eying her in-
tently ; for they were face to face, as she went backward
and he held both her hands to steer and steady her.
« I like it immensely, and I do believe it now : only
it rather takes my breath away to think of aunty's
going, when she never would hear of it before."
« She doesn't like the plan very well now, and con-
sents to go only on one condition."
"What is that?" asked Rose, trying to free her
hands ; for a look at Charlie 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 any thing is to be changed till you are
ready ; but if you go I 'm willing to give up every
thing else, and live anywhere as long as you like.
Why shouldn't you come to us for a year or two?
We've never had our share. Father would be de-
lighted, mother contented, and I the happiest man
alive."
« Who made this plan?" asked Rose, as soon as she
got the breath which certainly had been rather taken
away by this entirely new and by no means agreeable
scheme.
to dr
some
theb
S He
irpriscd and in-
one.
am ; and mother
>tlu>r letter from
t part from her
]iai)py together,
ed, eying her in-
3 went backward
id steady her.
ve it now : only
hink of aunty's
it before."
il now, and con-
dng to free her
ler suspect what
jx the hands fast,
re you speak. I
nged till you are
give up every
»ng as you like,
a year or two ?
er would be de-
le happiest man
se, as soon as she i
een rather taken |
means agreeable |
AUNT CLARA^S PLAN.
257
'o go alone; „„., ,vl,e, I .M J ""^ "'', '"^ """^
on l,ers. ^ "' '^''"' •"""' beseechingly
" ^'"'•'"'«<= I flon't dare to st'ay "
;'l8itsoha.-d?"d,esaidpitifuny.
foa.. of b-eakinr:; . Tr '""'"• '° '"" '^'
H-«.goeo^,.Luifi:::.::',:.fr'-'
" You 2 V r ™''" ^°" "'" ^'■<^'=««i."
^o.-Sr:-at;:e'-:iv;-r^-''-.o„,
g"P it had on me. llho t!L •"'™^S''^«-^ ^'-t -
to drop when I liked tutt^ T ™'^ "'"">''' -'^
sometimes I feel as if 7 ^ ■''"^""' "'™ ^^ """l
the better of:r;t:;lr;::;i°^^^-" '■>-««-
He dropped her hand
18 abr
17
uptly as he said that, with
-m
lit .
m
■
J
258
JiOSE IN BLOOM.
! i
the energy of despair ; 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 of the
earth " to escape the enemy Avithin himself. ^-^
Rose stood still, appalled by this sudden knowledge
of how much greater the evil was than she had
dreamed. What ought she to do? Go with her
cousin, and by so doing tacitly pledge herself as his
companion on that longer journey for which he was
as yet so poorly equipped ? Both heart and conscience
protested against this so strongly that she put the
thought away. But compassion pleaded for him ten-
derly ; and the spirit of self-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 both to him and to herself ?
Before this question could be answered, he was back
again, looking as if he had left his care behind him ;
for his moods varied like the wind. Her attitude, as
she stood motionless and alone with downcast face,
was so unlike the cheerful creature who came to meet
him an hour ago, it filled him with self-reproach ; and,
coming up, he drew one hand through his arm, saying,
as she involuntarily followed him, —
" You must not stand still. 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,"
[\
oi saying too
away at full
i ends of the
If. ^"
;n knowledge
han she had
Go with her
herself as his
vhich he was
nd conscience
she put the
[ for hiin ten-
which makes
iceive, caused
ate lay in her
gh her. How
irself ?
I, he was back
e behind him ;
3r attitude, as
owncast face,
came to meet
eproach ; and,
is arm, saying,
AUNT CLARA'S PLAN.
i
i
259
she answered, so firmly that h. i
less. ^ ^^'^ ^^ ^'^^^ appeal was use-
behimrme ?'' '' ''^"^' ^'^"' '^^^ ^" I care for
to'r^i:';r;::rT^^"'^"^
-^f to a bJtt:: t'l" • "^^^ ^^"^^ -^' g-^ your-
" ^^'^ ^^on't go without you."
"I think she willif you hold fn«f f
You won't give that nn T o ,, ^^"' resohition.
done." • ^ """ '*'?'''=' J-o" for what you Ve
"If you respect me T rinn'f
orinion of a„y one e ' " , ""? '"""'' ■''""" ">^
with a love,.'sper. ac tvto tT7' '""'"■'"' """'"'"S
' '^o" ffo manfully awav itifl ri^ fi i
you owe your father an.l yo.uilf " " '""'^
"And, when I've donn it
-warded, Rose?" he aXc tl' """ '"* '° "^
<.T ...:., ','"'' .''^^ 'f ■' was already his.
liow
I wish I could say what"
can I
promise when .1 am not
idy
you want me to. B
ut
/^on'tloveyouasIou:h;Z,~!f-^^^'^''^^
so why persist In »,„K:..r: " ^"'^'^^'^ ^ "^^^«»- shall
"' "^^^k^»g mo bind myself in this
way ?
lEr
. Ili
260
ROSE IN BLOOM.
Be generous, Charlie, nnd don't ask it," implored Rose,
much afflicted by his persistence.
" I thought you did love me : it looked very like it
a month ago, unless you have turned coquette, and I
can't quite believe that," he answered bitterly.
"I was beginning to love you, but you made me
afraid to go on," murmured Rose, trying to tell the
truth kindly.
" That cursed custom ! What can a man do when
his hostess asks him to drink wine with her?" And
Charlie looked as if he could have cursed himself even
more lieartily.
" 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 ca7i say it to
myself, for your sake." And Rose looked up with a
face so full of tender sorrow he could not doubt the
words which both reproached and comforted him.
" My little saint ! I don't deserve one half your
goodness to me ; but I will, and go away without one
complaint to do my best, for your sake," he cried,
touched by her grief, and stirred to enmlation by the
example of courage and integrity she tried to set
him.
Here Steve and Kitty bore do-wn upon them ; and,
I
I
•3
mplored Rose,
eel very like it
oquette, and I
jterly.
you made me
ig to tell the
man do when
her?" And
I himself even
learned to say
ard you want
can say it to
:ed up with a
lot doubt the
I'ted him.
ne half your
y without one
ie," he cried,
ilation by the
tried to set
n them; and^
i
I
I
J
ALAS FOR CHARLIE 1 261
and Calcutta. i"'=eMuI of separation
CHAPTER XV.
ALAS FOK CIIARUe!
JN spite of „,.„h internal rebellion, Charlie hold f^t
to his .-esolution : and Aunt PI...., e ,■
suasions vain evvo in . a ' "''"'« "" P^''-
world in general .and tri' ~. 'T '""
g'rl had a hard time of it an 1 1 ," tf , ' '"°'
would have fared still .orse.' It^^L^, '"'It
"Pon which Mrs. Clara's lainenta.i ,1! rXl I
"•ate fflanct's M] „«„ -i- , . "^' ^^Pioaclies, and
j,jaiiccs Tell unavaihnfflv n«fnn-i ^jj
heart against which the, ^eil' ire:! '^'''''''''^ '"^
ihe days passed very miicklv nn,„ . t
^-'ome- .nxioustohaveVr'rf ' ''"^ ""=
tions ,.ent on rapidly t'" 1 ° ''' "'" ''""""■»-
to ^hut up for ! 1. !' .t^ !"? -— <'^ -a^y
™.a.e laid in. and farew.^L;r;r r ^.:::S
ft
ilil
II
f
! 1;
ii
Pi \
'i
S
H
262
ROSE IN BLOOM.
activity and excitement rendered it impossible for
Charlie to lead the life of an artistic hermit any
longer: and he fell into a restless condition, which
caused Rose to long for the departure of the "Rajah,"
when she felt that he would be safe ; for these fare-
well festivities were dangerous to one who was just
learning to say " No."
" Half the month safely gone. If we can only get
well over these Inst weeks, a great weight will be off
my mind," thought Rose, as she Avent down 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's white
face she read the tidings of some great affliction.
" Hush ! don't be frightened. Come in and I '11 tell
you," he whispered, putting down the bottle he had
just taken from the doctor's medicine-closet.
Rose understood and obeyed ; for Aunt Plenty was
poorly with her rheumatism, and depended on her
morning doze.
"What is it?" she said, looking about the room
with a shiver, as if expecting to see again what she
saw there New- Year's night. Archie was alone, how-
ever, and, drawing her toward the closet, answered,
with an evident effort to be quite calm and steady, —
" Charlie is hurt! Uncle wants more ether, and the
wide bandages in some drawer or other. He told me,
but I forget. You keep thi« place in order : find them
for me. Quick ! "
ALAS FOR CHARLIE: 268
~;*'»"^^«--'> '-'-hat trembled a. «.;
And atch,„g ,,p a ,,„ece of old ,i„e„. «he tore it into
be!n '"■„ , ^"^' '" "" ^"'" "I'™'' '<'-• - «"«
began to roil tliem,—
" Now tell mc."
"I o„ wait: those are not needed j„st yet. I
d.dnt mean anyone «I,o„ldk„ow, you least of all "
began Arch.e, smoothing out the strips as they lay
across the table, and evidently surprised at the .iri^
nerve and skill. ^« j=iu s
" I can bear it : n.ake haste ! Is he much hurt ? "
I m afraid he is. Uncle looks sober, and the poor
boy nffers so I couldn't stay," ansu.red Archie, t Irn-
"You see, he went to town last evening to meet
the man who is going to buy Br.itus _ "
"And Brutus did it V I knew he would !" cried
Rose, dropping her work to wring 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 ; fo. he '. .lone his best to kill Ch-X ''
-uttered Charlie, m.ttc with a grim look; the g 1
^ great sigh, and a.hl.d with averted face -
"I shouldn't blan.o the brute; it uasnih
needed a firm hand, and
said quickly, —
fault
■>■)
he sto2)pcd there, but I
no
lose
264
HOSE IN BLOOM.
11 \
" Gto on. I must know."
" Charlie met some of his old cronies, quite by acci-
dent ; there was a dinner-party, and they made him
go, just for a good-by they said. Pie couldn't refuse,
and it was too much for him. He would come home
alone in the storm, though they tried to keep him as
he wasn't fit. Down by the new bridge, — that high
embankment you know, — the wind had put the lan-
tern out — he forgot — or something scared Brutus,
and all went down together."
Archie had spoken fast and brokenly; but Rose
understood, and at the last word hid her face with a
little moan, as if she saw it all.
" Drink this and never mind the rest," he said, dash-
ing into the next room 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 be 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 any thing back : tell me the worst at
once."
" We knew nothing of it," he went on obediently.
« Aunt Clara thought he was with me, and no one
found him till early this morning. A workman rec
ognized him ; and he was brought home, dead they
thought. I came for uncle an hour ago. Charlie is
conscious now, b.it awfully hurt ; and I 'm afraid from
the way Mac and uncle look at one another that -
I
I
te by acci-
made him
I't refuse,
•me liome
ep liim as
that high
b the Lin-
i Brutus,
but Rose
36 with a
lid, dash-
bi a glass
this sort
left.
le would
nand he
worst at
Bdiently.
no one
tian rec-
ad they
larlie is
kid from
that —
ALAS FOR CHAliLlE! 265
Oh ! think of it, Kose ! crushed and helpless, alone in
the nun all n.ght, and I never knew, I nlver kne" "
With that poor Archie broke down entirely; and
fl .ging nnself into a chair, laid his face on the t b '
before and .t was so unlike a woman's gentler grief
that It moved her very much. Putting by her own
angmsl, .he tried to comfort his, and^i^ hL
lit d up his head and made him lean o^ he: ; for 7n
veiy h tie to do, but it did comfort Archie; for the
oor fellow felt as if fate was very hard upon him J
hen, and mto this faithful bosom he could pom-'
bnet but pathetic plaint. ^
" Phebe 's gone, and now if Charlie 's taken I don't
see how I can bear it ! »
Chl2''' 'f ' """ ''''' '""•' '-^^^ ''' - bope poor
Chaihe isn't going to be taken yet. Such tJnl
ahvays seem worse at first, I 've he.^-d pe^^I
cheei- up and hope for the best," answered Rosc'sLk
Zyir' comfortable words to say, and fi'nXg"
like a man. Wiping away the tears which he so sel
dom shed that they did not know where to go, he 1
oieath, as if he had been under water —
"^ow I 'mall right, thank ynn tL.,,. ,. , , .
"•'■ ''""^ "^ •'-'■S -ked suddenly to find the dear'
I J
■>t
nSsn
ii^rnrrii I
266
ROSE IN BLOOM.
.'
old fellow in snch 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, poor Aunt Clara ! how does she
bear it?"
" Almost distracted. I took mother to her, and she
will do all that anybody can. Heaven only knows
what aunt will do if _ "
"And Heaven only can help h.°r," added Rose, as
Archie stopped at the words he could not utter.
" JNow take them, and let me know often."
" You brave little soul, I will," and Archie went
away through the rain with his sad burden, wondering
how Rose could be so calm, when the beloved Prince
might be dying.
A long dark day followed, with nothing to break its
melancholy monotony except the bulletins that came
irom hour to hour, reporting little change either for bet-
ter or for worse. Rose broke the news gently to Aunt
Plenty, and set herself to the task of keeping up the
old lady s spirits ; for, being helpless, the good soul felt
as If every thing would go wrong without her. At
dusk she fell asleep, and Rose went down to order
lights and fire in the parlor, with tea ready to serve at
any moment ; for she felt sure some of the men would
come, and that a cheerful greeting and creature com-
forts would suit th<.m better than tears, darkness, and
desolation.
,, '-"' ""^ "Hived, saymg the instant he entered
the room, —
ALAS j-<:R CHARLIE!
I ought to
3 if I can
does she
•, and she
ly knows
Rose, as
3t utter.
fiie went
ondering
:1 Prince
break its
at came
r for bet-
to Aunt
■ up the
soul felt
ler. At
order
serve at
1 would
re com-
iss, and
267
«
More comfortable, cousin."
" Thank Heaven ' " pj-^rJ t?
Then seeing how worn It wl' "T "^'"^^ '^'* '•^"^^•^•
as he came into th l!,!! ^^^ ^""'^ '''" ^^^^^^^^
a cordial in itse^ ^P ^^^^^^^^
Come here and I^f / "^^^ ''^^' ^^^^^ t..«d you are!
"Iw^r' / ''''^" ^^" comfortable."
1 was going home to freshen un a hM • f t
be back in an hour Af .i " "^ '^ "^'^ 5 ^o'' I must
come back onrl T'li • "^^ ^'-i't-sn, then
mo- I ewM , ^"" ^°" >"""■ '<=•■•• Let me, let
"I can't bear the smell t^f «fi.^
dreadful things." '' '* '^ '^^'''' «"^l^
" What curious creatures women are • a i •
us you bore the news like oT ." ^"^ ^^^^^
pale at a whiff of ^ t "' '"' "'^' ^^" ^»»'»
Mac,ashe^fkJ't::;;,,^^^^^^
"Neither ^-^ t^ ! ' ^'^''^"'"^ sbower-bath.
but I
ve ho"!
.„to,.e„ I a„ .ay a„a „.,.,e „,,,.„ „„,,;,,: ™:: ""^ r-
about it ; but come and h
five some tea
'^n't let us talk
nr it
h- -1
■^T i«
268
ROSE IN BLOOM.
' ■!
for J h ' "°°n '■ ^"'"' """=• "^^^ ■■' y-- P»n'"=«»
or a 1 human ,1 » ; ,et there isn't any „„„ri.,h,nent in
t^e firf ^ an easy-ehair and stretching Ins feet to
She brought it to him and n.ade him eat something:
then, a, he sin.t his eyes ueariiy, she went away to tL
p.ano, and having „o heart to sing, p.ayed softly til
ho seemed asleep. B„t, at the stroke of L, he w,fs up
and ready to be off again. ^
, "He gave me that: take it with you and put some
on h,s han.; he likes it, and I do so want to help a
I. le she saul slipping the pretty flagon into 'hi!
poeket, ..,„ sueh a wistful l„ok,M.ac never thou-^ht of
smiUng r,i .^s very feminine request
for' vol '*" "'";.. i" *"'■' '"^ *'''"= "^'^ I »'•" do
Z/ZT ^^ '"^'^' ''"""'S the cold hand
that had been servmg him so helofully
" Only this : if there is any sudden change, promise
to send for me, „o matter at what hour itl : I T.
say ' Good-by.' " *'
" ^ 7'" .'=°'"^ f""- yo"- But, Rose, I am sure you
may s eep >n peace to-night; and I hope to have good
news for you in the morning." ^
" Bless yo« for that ! Come early, and let me see
h.m soon. I will be very good, and I know it Z n
do him any ham."
could speak was, • Tell Rose carefully ;' and. as I came
ALAS FOR CHARLIE!
269
away, he guessed where I wn, going, and tried to kis,
his hand ,„ the old way, yo„ know."
Mao thought it would cheer her to hear that Charlie
.■cn.e,„bered her; but the sudden though, ,„^
nnght never see that fan, iliar little g,/ ,„„
h s fel ;r • 7 " °' *'"' ■'■°^"'"S ->" ''own a
us feet ma passion of tears th.u frighte.u.d l,i„,. Ho
took her to the sofa, and tried to eonrfort hor- but
ns soon as the bitter sobbing quieted, she looked up
and sa.d <,u,te steadily, great dro,,s rolling down her
cheeks the while,— 'o>vu nei
iy,'ll'1,'"7"^-'- " '' "'■'"' ^ '"""^' ""'' I «''^>11 be all
h better for .t by and by. Go to Charlie now, and
tell nm I sa,d with all n,y heart, ' Good-night ' ' "
"I will!" an,J Mae trudged aw,ay, n.arvelling in his
rn at the curiously blended strength and wlakne
01 woiuankind.
. ^''•'" '™' ""= '""S'-^ "ight Rose ever spent ; but
joy came m the morning with the early me,,sa"e " He
^better You are to con,e by and by" Th^nAu!
P en y forgot her hnnbago and arose; Aunt Myra,
ho had come to have a social croak, took off he
bbck bonnet as if it would not be needed at present
ek not';; T : V' '^ ^° '"" ^^y "^^'-'"
oack, not the hard " Good-by ''
It seemed very long to wait'; for no summons came
it of ' h"7 '" p '"■ '""'" ""™^' -^ "' ^1"^ first
sight of his face Rose began to tremble.
^>
v^>
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)
V'
y..
^'
M
%
t
iJi
11.25
iU
22
1^ 12.0
6"
1.8
i^ 11 1.6
^3
^%
m. #^ »5(!fe V cSS^ ■^"
c
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
V»'^^
-c.^
^^^
^
b
>" w^..
^ 4?.
<p
lA
'^
^
270
ROSE IN BLOOM.
«
to ti!.'",' ''"^f' '"■ ' " """ *""■ '''•"'' ^''ook »« «I.o tried
was so tull ot tender pity for her
He took her quickly i„,o the orriage, »„d, aa they
roM a.ay, «a„I with the quiet directness which
r:::t,:t;!:"''"" ^-"-^ "■- -^ ~-'c
^"Charlie is worse. I feared it when the pain went
o .uddeniy this n.orni„g; b„, u.e ehief in , „
He .ns.sts that he is better, b,.t will soon begin to flit
«;:iL?"T,r".'":;'^"'°"''-^^«'^'™»^-'^<'„t„:o:
s> ttenng ll„s ,s the fme for you to see hun ; for he
has set h,s heart on it, and nothing can hurt hi „ now
My dnid, ,t ,s very hard ; but we must help eaeh othl;
Eose tried to say, "Yes, uncle," bravely; but the
wor s would not con.e ; and she could onfy' ^
l^|nd m o h,s with a look of n>ute sub™is'sion' H
qn.etly that anyone who did not see how worn and
haggard h,s face had grown with two days andTnig^
of harp an..ety might have thought 1,^; cold. '
Cla.aTh r '7" '"■"'^ '" '"*• ••""' J"- - -«> poor '
Ua.a, who has dropped asleep at last. I 've sent f „•
Steve and the other boy. There will hi til f
It
for
ALAS FOR CHARLIE! 271
them later ; but he «o begged .. see you now, I tl.ou^ht
- est to co,„e while this te„,,o,.a,.y sfe, gtl Z
DelHBve mc. It he asks yo,. answer honestly; ,„,a try
to^«th™.l«tlefo. this sudden end^^^^^
"How soon, uncle?"
yoms make the most of it; and, when we can do no
n.o« tor h,m, we '11 con.fort one another."
3Iac met them in the hall: but Uose hardly sw
urn; s ewas conscious only „f the task befo Z
St.;,- ''' """'^ '-' '- ^ ^"^ <^- ^- said
"Let rae go in alone, please."
awavtt T •'"' '"" ''•■"'^'"S "-• "- bed, slipped
f Vn ." '""" '•-""" •-'» •*<= ■Weured; and Koso
found Charhe waiting for her with si.eh a „,,,' ft
he could not believe what she had heard,a i fo ,'
■t easy to say almost cheerfully n, she ,„ I J
hr..nd in both of hers, _ ^ """ '''«"'
"Bear Charlie, I'-n. so glad you sent for me I
longed to come, but waited till you were better You
«u.-ely are?" she added, as a second glan e sholed
- the mdeseribable change which hfd cone .L
thejacewlnch at first seemed to have both light r;
" Uncle says not : but I think he is mistaken, bec,„.„
the agony ,» all gone; and, except for this odd sinking
■ 'it
''') ■
t 'I
I
272
ROSE IN BLOOM.
now and th.-n, I don't fed so much amis.,," he an-
nrtr^'''"'^'''''— <-^'^-M'n,ht„::3
" Yo,. will hardly be able to .ail i„ the 'Rajah ■ I
fear; but you won't n.ind waiting a littJe, ,vh le ^e
wth her heart grow.ng heavier every minute.
th„„.hif^"f'''"'"'™''' I '"-I' «-t promise,
though .,, costs me my life. O Rose! you know
they've told you?" and, with a sudden memory o
wijat brought him there, he hid his face in the pillJw
You broke no promise; for I would not let you
rt'iri' T, "'""""'"'■ ^"■■s^' "" *■••'. »<j lot
us^talk about the better time that may be coming for
" Always so generous, so kind ! " he murmured, with
her hand .agamst his feverish cheek; then, looking u.
he we,U on m a tone so humbly contrite it made '
eyes fill with slow, hot tears.
"I tried to flee temptation: I tried to say <No-'
but I am so pitiably weak, I couldn't. You must dl
^P- me. But don't give me up entirely : for, if I live
I !I do better; I '11 go away to father and begiL again "
would fall, to hear h„n still speak hopefully when
ere was no hope. Something in the mute angui:
of her face seemed to tell him what she could not
«peak; and a quick change came over him as he
grasped her hand tighter, saying in a sha o whisper -
3S" he an-
d liglitness
ajah,' I
, wliile we
on quietly,
e.
t promiss,
)u know?
lemory of
e pillow,
t let you
^, and let
nnlng for
red, with
'king v^K
aade
y 'No;'
nust de-
if I live,
I again."
3ut they
y when
anguish
uld not
as he
sper, —
I
((
H;
ave I
Her only answer
A^-^AS FOR CHARLIE!
••^"y got to die, Rose?"
97Q
arms about h
w
nn,
■•s to kneel down and
)nger.
••Js if she tried to k
put her
eep death
away
a li tie loi,..^-, no 1^ 1-
what. moment, fearing she kueiv not
''--■=-ht„4Lx::;f:r^^^^^^
eyes wore fi.vetl a, if ,, • wnquei- ,t. His
world Either he I ! '-"^ '" '°°'' '"'» '^e „„seen
0..0 brief instan sh saw ,?'"'"' '^ «"'^ ^ " ^'"
f-. if oari, traininV :/ ,::V"'V"="'" ""«
''"•«c!fi and the firsr,. , T^ " '""'' '» ''"'^
-S\ as his eye l„e 1^ \ ""'"^"^ ""'' » '""S
''>efaiw.a„'d„r:dt,;:L::r;'-''efe,?
"B«terso,perhaps,hettt?:rt-
more sorrow to vou inr) .i '"''"S any
'o stay a little lorgor a^ 1?: '" r^'^"^'^- ^ '<1 '*«
-™ so wasted irir;:?:"-'^^"^''
R««e; I'm no loss to anyone and \ ^™'"^'
late to mend." ^ ' ""'' P<"*''I» i* «» too
-:.^',3.°wer.::':- : 7;"' «>- y«ur place
;o«.a„dyo„musner/rf:rrr'°™^
^e would be forgiven ^^^^^^^ ^^- ^— -
18
•led Kose, steadied by the
> I
k. ji
#^
H in
274
ROSE Ijy BLOOM.
pale despair that had fallen on Charlie's face
bitt
er words
with those
(( (
*oi
•give us onr trespasses!' Yes, I siiould
that. Itose, I'm not ready; it is so sudd
I do ? " he whispered, cli
en : what can
;lBil
. nguig to licr, as ii' l,e ha<l no
anchor except tl)e creature whom he loved so nn.ch
" Uncle will tell you : I am not good enough ; I can
on y pray for you," and slie moved as if to call in the
iielp so sorely needed.
"No, no, not yet! stay by me, darling: read some-
thing ; there, in grandfather's old book, some prayer
or such as I. It will do me n.ore good from you
tlian any minister alive."
She got the vcuerablo book, -given to Charlie be-
cause he bore the goua n,a„'8 „a,ue,_au.l, tun.ing to
he "Prayer for the Dying," re,d it b,„t,„,,. ;],„,
the voice beside her eelioed „o«- and then some word
that rejiroved or comforted.
"The testimony of a good conscience." "By the
sadness of his eonntenance n.,ay his heart be m.ade
uetter. " Cln'istian patience and fortitude." " Leave
the world in peace." " Amen."
There w,,s silence for a little; then Rose, seein..
how wan he looked, «aid softly, "Shall I call unci:
"If you will; but first -don't smile at my foolish-
Z f .^ '™'" '"^ ""•" '"=^rt. They took it
off. please g.ve it back, and let me keep it always,"
he answered, with the old fond
ness stron-j as e\
ver.
» il
with those
should say
; what can
lio had no
) much,
gli ; I can
all in the
iad sonie-
le i)rayer
from
you
larlie he-
lming to
y; while
nie word
'By the
>e made
" Leave
i, seeing
11 uncle
ALAS FOR CHARLIE!
275
even when he culd only show it bv l.nl r .•
"M.-'g.'.to heart will, the Med ribbor, " ",^7
nml never let tliein take it off » I, ? / ' °"'
hlio kissed bin, very tenderly on lips and fn. l ,
tried to say "Good-bv" 1,,,/ ■ '""'"^"'l ;
cH...riie-sho,e^,ispii;';;:;j :::,-;;^^^^
" iill to-morrow, Rose."
wh!':i.f::h;n;Lf,:rr
»..d noble, it seemed as if i^ 7, '""'"'^ ^° ''''^''«
for .,11 tl,^ „ "''^' ^^ «'"^" W'tb him •
heart, and in solemn tmthh 7 , ' '*" '''' '1"'^'
Father, and begina;!: ''^' ^""^ '» ""•■^' '"^
If
foolish-
took it
Iwa
)5
ays,
s ever.
276
ROSE IN BLOOM.
CHAPTER XVI.
GOOD WORKS.
'piIE "Rajnh" was deluycl awhile, and when it
sailed poor Mrs. Clura wa,, on board ; for everv
h,„g was ready, a., thought she had better go e„,7
o.t her husband, and sinee her boy died sife eemrd
to care very little what became of her So with
Zheat^f ^ '"" ""'« ™^'^=--'<^ ^Jl:^
S , ""'""■ ''' ""' "J-"'^ disconsolate; fo
d knew her monrning was excessively becoming and
Then ":.""" " '"'^''' ""-^ "-" -P-ted. '
ihen nothnig was left of that g.ay household but
the empty rooms, silence never LL by a blitll
vo.ce any more, and pictures full „f promL bu tt
'.nfin,shed, like poor Charlie's life ' "
There was much mourning for the bonny Prince
b«t no need to tell of it except as it affected Le for'
.t ;s w.th her we have most to do, the other cha ^tlr
bemg of secondary importance. "aracters
los she was surprised to find that the memory of hi,
faults an failings, short life and piteous death, grew
d'm as ,f a kindly hand wiped out the record Tnd
gave hnn back to her in the likeness of e bCe
onght boy she had loved, not as the wayward "
sionate yonng man who had loved her ^ ""■'""■
when it
for every
to com-
3 seemed
So, with
away, a
late; for
ling, and
ered by
1
■old but
1 blithe
but all
Prince,
'se; for
iracters
sudden
of his
> grew
1, and
brave,
3, pas-
GOOD WORKS.
M
277
This comforted her verv much • n,,^ f.i r i
tiio loc* 11 ^. -. , '' '""^"> '^"rtj loldinc: down
the h«t blotted loaf whc-e his na.no uns written Z
g a*y tu,.„e„ back to reopen and reread Ih i,
chapters which painted the yonthfnl knight be „
rroTLt'h''""?'""''"'^- N-otftheUt!
r ■' "' ',°^^, ''"<'"™<' ■'■«n-ed this memory f„r K„se
b canse she found that the wanner se„ti„>enl instil'
<J.ng .n he. heart, had die,l with Charlie, an< lay eoM
an" q-t .n his grave. She wondered, yet w '. ad
hongh somet,mes a remorseful pang smote her :.he„
he discovered how possible it was to ^o on wi,l,„nt hi
- .ng almost as if a burden had bein lifted Js'
h. happ,ness was taken out of her hands. The time
hea<t «as ■„ her keep.ng would make the pride and
m of her fe; and while she waited for that'moueu
Such being her nnvard state, it much annoyed her
he lo 'TI " " '"■'*-'---'«l gi'-l. and pitied fo
e loss „£ her young lover. She could not explain to
alth world, so let it pass, and occupied her mind
w.th the good works which always lie ready to be
as he, profession, she felt that it was high time to
begm the task too long neglected.
Her p,ojeets were e.vcellent, but did not prosper as
ap, y as she hoped ; for, having to deal wi'th peopl
.; '"'"f '„r^P-.'«' o-^^'-les were constantV aris-
"'g- ihe Home tor Decayed Gentlewomen," as the
in ''•
cti
w
278
ROSE IN BLOOM.
nr. t . , ' ^''^ ''' P'^-'-isant sight to see the
p.c ently, Ro»c. was cLsturbed to find that the goo,
people expected her to take ca,^ „f them in a way "l"!
ne^iect.d, water.p.pes froze and bnrst, drains °ot out
-.::;:„d's:r"t:;r;^„i
^-^agi„gren.ar.too,de/a:d^sri::r
-e^ed her out of many of her woes by good advice
and an occasional visit of inspection, whirdidH'
to impress upon the dwellerx there the fact thTt
tHeyaM not do their part, their leases wirbri::
::.':" -^"-"^ '-- ^"«-'^ '- eo„ectin;
"If you do this thing for the sake of the ^.ratitude
t>.onu.afai.„ro:b„tifitisdo„efort,reC:;
•ed houses,
to see the
»men busy
incies and
ble. But,
the good
I way she
was con-
l general
ngs were
got out
indhand.
ng, only
a most
5rs than
ily, and
advice,
I much
that, if
e short
, but I
>n one
i once,
ectinor
;itude,
>vc of
GOOD WORKS. 279
'nroV/r "''"■'"''''"''"'' '-^ -™-i for in
''" "'."'^■"- «""''y "■-'•y one of ,ho.,o wo, .„ f , "
he wo r J,, •ru'""""'"."""-^ " '"" «-^'-'^ '"•■'"
...kUo go wtLout .. answe.,. Kose, fee.ing ,efn!;,;:,^
ne:!;ro:o ::rtnt:: °^ --•"^' .-."^
ci,- M , ' '^"^^ ^ ^e seen many a friend.
Cnn explam ,t, but it is so; ,.,„! I H, e„,„o to o
cone „s,o„ that it is as hard to give i„ tho .-ight s ,
as . ,s to receive. P"..le it out, ,ny dear, wl, ,„ '
are learn.ng to do good for its own s.ie " ^
m going to devote my mind to- them. They thank
me ,„ many ways, and helping thorn ,> all , leas e
and no worry. Come in to the hospi, U and see to
^ear bab.es or the Asylum and earry oranges to
Phebes orphans: M.y don't complain and fidget on.'^
l.|e«ss their hearts,., cried Kose. Clearing up
an^delf ,*f ' "" ''"'''"" '" """"'SO the " Retreat,.,
and devoted her energies to the little folks, always „
.eady to reee.ve the smallest gift, an.l repay the giver
w,th then, artl* thanks. Here she fo nd plen^ o
It'
r^
f ■ l^m
280
ROSE IN BLOOM.
1^0, an.l did it with such sweet good-will that «hp
Iier wTv Whr. 1 • ft '^ ' «i" triat she won
't^i way like sunshine, making manv -i littln i
<lance over snlonrl.M a u • ^ ^^'^ ''^''^'t
splendid dolls, gay picture-books ai.d nnf
<'t flowers, as well i« f.., i « , ' * ^^^*'^
^'Jt, pool cluldren lono-nrl fr>.. u
It was Hof i^r. • 1. ""u.ijh. Jliatsprino-
tho M,., days ;t ;, rtV"" """"' ■""■ '^'"'■'
children c.n'e I od ,o „ "he ™' '"'"'^ °' ^"^'^
A pretty sight, and one that well Zm Ise "k
brought it to pass. ^ """" ""''»
Every one took an interest in the "Rose Garden "
as Mac named it- ■^r.A .i ""^e iiaiden, '
""neci It, and the women-folk were m„ti„
east Ann T ^""'f '-^"'y ^"'^'^ gingerbread broad-
^:n;te^^:;r;T"i^:l'^'''^''°^^-*'«
Myra supplied "Lediir so ibtir;;::; :' ^""'
tality wonld have been awfu i D^ ]' IT"'
taken them in char<re T„ T .1 ' '""' ""'
i;„i„f 1 . •^'S<=- To him this was the most de
l.ghtful spo ,n the world: and well it mi„hrbe t"
he -ggestcd the idea, and gave Rose all th^o credit tf
t she won
-tie lioart
and pots
s for the
naturally
for the
come to
Down
used by
t spring
women
1, when
of pale
^'er the
beach.
36 who
irden,"
:!ontin-
'or the
broad-
while
Aunt
mor-
3 not
It de-
; for
it of
GOOD WORKS.
281
on cnuo , ,.' .;:r ir'""" r.'"'"""' """"'"'"
icft to ,it on/.CrD jr j'-'^'-'^'y s'-"^
He seemed as youno- as nnv nf i •
heartie,, 1,1 V Propositions to adopt the
cXheJ^ ""^ '"■"''^»' -'"•'■' - --- hi^ a„;
On one occasion she Inrl i t-«,.„
the eulpHt being I. er o' Vo ^TT """" ' ""^
^^ X ° ' ""^ ber husband sJio f.Wf
free to repay herself for „,a„y scares of this s„ \;'
g^d^seo,ding,.hieh,nniiken.a„y,prodne:,re,!;r,:
-ting on a faiien tree b ^e Zl' ^ 7 T"
■nj. is despondent auitndearrester,:^^^^^
She drew nearer, he turned his h'^id nnrl ] / !
iuV.r^,.f ^ 1 ■ • . 'i^a((, ana she stoiDued
«ho,t,^exclai,nmg in great surprise, - ^ ^
" >V by, Mac ! what ta-e you doing here ? "
,1. ,
■'■*■ '
282
^OSE IN BLOOM.
((
Trying to solve a problem,
quandary." ""ui>t, and 1 ni m a
tl.e wile idea fl .3 f .'"'""r r'"'^'" '^ '>^"^1 ^ -'"lo
"No,thi.i.tho,o„„,Mat::i;'.i'~ •
corner of the brown ,irawl 1. , ,' ""''• "I^n'"? »
three, _ so nale T ', '''^'''••'J'e'l » child of
«l.r..nk away from hn,, "'" *''' "^^'' "^ «•>«
and a hand life 1, f '"'" ^'■"" *'''S''*™«1 e^-,,
of Mac', coat ''■™ "°""^ '='"'^■'"'•8 - button
--inno™^t;r„rr''''"°™^^'-"^"-'^<^«^^^^
- what'tr tr"r'" "-'" ^■»-'>'"" advise
woman who go hurt -.T .?""'' ~™ '™ "'"^ '''?-"•
vuo ^ot milt, and died two da v«4 ..rr^ t i, i
nothing to do with her onlv fnT . ^ " ^ '''''^
once or twice- for \ u]\ ^^ '^"' ^ '^^^^ <>^ ^''^it
d> looking
^xity and
le, till his
GOOD WORKS.
283
n't know
"•se; but
f 'm in a
">g with
I; while
perhaps
)ening a
iliild of
^ed like
as she
(1 eyes,
button
1 Rose,
advise
1 poor
I had
fruit
eyes
inute,
ine,
thing
for her ; and, though she could hardly breathe for pain
- be,„g ata„3t gone, _ „, i„,p,„,.ed ,„e t„ take eare oJ
baby. I found out where the chihl was, and pron.isod
d. t,lll d given her that eomfort. I never can forget
the look „, her eyes, as I held her hand, and said, ' B^by
shall be taken care of.' She tried to thank me, and
d.ed soon after quite ,,oacefully. Well, I went to-day
and hunted up tl,e poor little wretch. Found her in
a m,serable place, left in the care of an . hag, who
had shut l,er up alone to keep her out of the way, and
l«re th,s mite was, h.uldled i,, a corner cryin.,
Marmar,marm.ar!' fit to touch a heart of stone. 1
blew „p the woman, and took baby straight aw.ay,
for she Imd been abused ; and it was high time. Look
there, will you ?"
Ma^ turned the little skinny arm, and showed a blue
ma.x winch m.ade Rose drop her reins, and stretch out
both h.ands, erying with a ten.ler sort of indignation,-
little \k 7" "."' '" '" ""'^ ''^'- '" "-; P»or,
little, motherless thing ! "
Mac laid the bundle in her .arms, and Rose beg.an to
euddle ,t ,„ the fond, foolish w.ay women have, -a
most comfortable and effective w.ay, nevertheless; and
baby evidently felt that things were changing for the
better, when warm lips touched her cheeks, a soft
hand smoothed her tumbled hair, and a womanly face
bent over her, with the inarticulate cooing, and purr-
.ngs mothers make. The frightened eyes went up to
% V
284
nosE m BLOOM.
this gentle countenance, md v„,,„^ ,,,
^"ed; the little elau- con to '',.'' "" '^ '•'"'»-
».% nestied to he. J ^ „! sSr ;r'' "?" ""^
havetonehed!:;::;;::r"''''>»'-!:«"'y-,,,d
--r::o:;rj:::,:;,;r:vr^"--
mite like this, c g„ .1, tT' "° '''"'■" *™" f" a
'Not an orphan Jt/f, ,."•'""" ^■'^'"'"•' -'ys she.
I. , 1^ "" . L,ot a latnei* who pnn't +.,7^^
he.-,' says I. . Take her to the P , """^ "^
M«. Gardener or ,on,e „ Foundling place, or
will not have h Z^t2\ ■ '"'""^ " '«• ^
"oisy. Carrv i K ? "'"' ""''' ""'' ^irty and
'0C.0.1S; 'so:'-::!? ^-^^ ^ ""^™---
-'ented as I shou dTr'ec bl' """' "="' "'' '"'•*' '^••'
her board in .„n,e good phc mI > T"'^ '° "'''^
worse than her bite' you W " °""' ^ '"■" '^ »"-''^''
asked Rose, h,oki.,g down at him '
as if reas-
j find poor
plaintive
iJy would
the new
to see if
GOOD WORKS.
285
owing
kn
ly price,
'u know,
ei-s that
^ in the
■den. I
n for a
* Baby
ys she.
3are of
ace, or
is. I
y and
I what
i; but
to put
pay
Iwaya
lace '
him
wUh great approval, as he stood patting Rosa's glossy
"Exactly 1 didn't want to trouble yon for you
between Rosa's ears na .f f ■ , * straight
° edrs, as It lorcino- hersplf +^v +1 ■ i
"This seems to be one of the charities thnt n.
-nts to undertake; yet I can't help tel^ that m"
promise to the mother binds mo J \^- ^
tH.n.e..y handing ba.;ter:o:o:::t;i:::
i nre-:"" ;" 7-^ -"^ ove.erowde,[:s ::
t'ons. She .s such a frail creature she won't tronl,l„
any one long, perhaps ; and I .,ouUl lik o ^itl
J"st a taste of comfort if n^f i u . ^ ^
her .Marn>ar' a^' ' '' " *^ ""'''
•^Load Rosa: I'„. goi„g ,„ j.^, ^.^^ ^
and, .f uncle ,s willing, I '|1 adopt her ind she 7 7
happy! cried Rose, with the sudden glow of feel-
iti
286
i"g th;n ill
poor
Brit
had
ROSE IN BLOOM.
;n;.t jilvvays made her lovely AT,rl .1 •
:;:!:f :!----- r-^a.^' f^f
oninrt, ready to redress the
need of her
wi
't>"g8 of any vvJ]
o
^s ho led the slowly stepping ho.
|;onc], Mac could not help think
•se along the quiet
httle like the Fl
"ig that they looked
so, beincr
and tl
ig ii reverent
iglit into Egypt: but he did
a
youtl
only glanced back
not say
at the figure above hini ; fot- K
off her hat to keep the light from baby
with the sunshine turning he
now
ose had taken
's eyes, and sat
as she looked down .t thcTlitf I ""'"''"'^ ^''"" '' ^"^^^'
-..ie before he 'iv^'^trt^^^^^
-insomeofCorreggio-syoun^Sr"^^^
"What is the child's mmpV" ,. .x
tion which disturbed H^^ rfC ^ r '" ''""-
«.e sound of pacing hoofs 1 'h / '" °"'^ ''^
o-.ead.andehehU„c:;:;;L;rf';^^^^^^^^^
another. "* ^^ ^^^ quandary into
" Didn't you ask ? »
"No: the mother called her *Babv' thp .u
* Brat.' And that is all I know of tt fi ! '^""'"'
last is Kennedy. You ca^ Chnl "'"' *' ''''
like." Christen her what you
g'.itliering
a. modern
any who
the quiet
looked a
1 not say
!>ck now
fill taken
I and sat
to gold,
? on the
ess one
I'emem-
rever-
5 borne
1 ques-
ily by
>oughs
Idenly
r into
'man,
: the
you
GOOD WORKS.
287
"Then I shall name her Duloinon a.
knight, n„d call he- B„lco f or 1 ■ ' X. ',"" "'"' '"'
diminutive, I 'm sure " l-n , ™ " ■' '""''<'*
the idea. ' *'""' """=' '""<^'' """««! at
I>on Quixote looked i)lon<50rl n»;i
hi« little lady stoutly l^^:;:"!™"'"' '" "^'^■■"'
g«r with Tof* "'""'^•"" «''"'y--ved he., new
feuest with her accustomed hosi)itaHtv nn.i ,
i"S the story, was as wannly intetda f ' " ,"'""
he grandmotherly i„sti„ets were strong in the' ok
lady, and of late had been beautifully developed
hangmg on the other A v.o- ^ P^ayiniug
..ron her little ^^<:\>^:'S^:^^
" There 1 how do you like your Dulee now"'s,id
Rose, proualy displaying the work of her l™ds ^
"lie eame i„ with her habit pinned up a„,l .
n silx/n,. ,.^ • - i^^iiicu up, and carrvino'
a silvei porrmger of broad and milk. "
III
288
ROSE IN BLOOM.
that of t D , : :'::z r" T"° """"-"^ "■"
from the hn-nortl, :;„;:!! '" "'"' '"^"'^ ''-""S
ive remark,— =* ' "^ ^^^^ suggest-
" Din-din, wow>."
So Rose sat down and fed ihn n i,
Don .ooc. b, and ..toJlVfJ^'^^Z '" ""
faction. ^ ^'^'^ "i"ch satis-
ful i„te,;st ' ""^'"'" '"' -^''^ -th ..espect-
" No : her shoes are drvi'nry. v
go in the mud" ""^'"S' ^ou must have let her
I'll buy her some new ones IcM ' ' ""''■
do I go, what do I ask J a 'dhf''""- ^^''-^
fa.her if you wH, ^ ^t "■"' -Varies, about the
away jus/:: ^i; ^1 tftr^: r r '"^^"
thing about him?" -Do you know any
, GOOD WORKS. 289
" Only that l,e is in State Pri.,o„ fo,. ,„ ,
yea,., and „„t Mkdy to trouble Z" ''"'''
"IW dreadful! I really ,hi„k r,,,,,„ ,,,, ,,^,^^^
on to have none jif -il] t »ii . "tuer
a good wo„.a„; so that she wil, have au ho ^a,,
of^her „,™, s,„ee he has nothing but disgrace to ;::
iny help. He i,„s been so succes,sful in bis fl,.,, ^f
ten,,,t I foney you won't require u.ueh," said Mae let
>ng up the spools for the sixth time. ' '
"Yes, I shall ; for it is a great responsibility, and I
do not undertake it lightly," answered Rose r;bel
":;!:: ''"•"'"-^'™"-' -"^"■"- « ^
" I 'm sure Phebe has turned out splendidly and
you began very early with her." ^' ^
" So I did ! that 's encoura^inc. Dear ti,- ,
T . I' ) j^ui unue nad lust conip nnri
I was qu,te crazy over a box of present, and ™shed
at Phebe as she was cleaning bras.,es. How 1 ttle T
«.oug t my childish offer would end so woTi '" „d
Rose fell a musing with a happy smile olhe. f
wh:.bb, picked the last nmri^i:o::':fr;o^^:
gei with her own busy fingers
Tt certainly had ended tvell; for Phebe at the end
of - ...onths not only h,ad a good place as eho^
19
» a
290
ROSE m BLOOM.
«inger but several yo,.„g p„pi,3, „„d ,„,„^„^
poets for the next winter. ^
" ■ Accept the ble..i„g „f „ p„„,
WI,o,e luckj- .,c,„ |,uvc IcJ l.im l„ yom i„„r,.
and Iet;„e help «s ™„eh as I can. Good-by, n,y D„l
-ea." and, with a farewell stroke of the smtth'hfad
Mao went away to report his suecess to his mother
fen baby " '"' '^'™"'' ""^ '— n'
gi
CHAPTER XVII.
AMONG THE HAY-COCKS.
UNCLE ALEC did not object; and. finding that
no one had any claim upon the child, permitted
Rose to keep it for a time at least. So little Duke
newly e,u,pped even to a name, took her place amo J
them and slowly began to thrive. But she did „"!
grow pretty, and never was a gay, attractive child I
he seemed to have been born i„ sorrow and b." '
^z^:z "''" ''"'"' ""'^ "-"'-. ^5
c.eep,ng mto corners and looking timidly out as if
a«kn,g leave to live, and, when offered playthi, ! tak
mg them with a meek surprise that was'very touching
lent
loor,'
my Dul-
f)th head,
mother,
ah-eady
ticouven-
AMONG THE HAY-COCKs.
ig that
mitted
Dulce,
among
id not
3; for
■ought
Iways
as if
?, tak-
ihi ng.
291
Rose soon won her hearf onri fi
she h„d no, ., ,„,. ,,„^ ' ;•; t, ™,: r™' "'""-'
a lament for "Annfv w » -^ ^^uim.u jnto
Kilty Vnn, who ma.lc Ruse her model in ,11 ,i •
-s ,nnnediate,y h.„i,ed to go and d L^ ole'
«;>e tooc u ho:::r;.!;: r;':::;' I'm"-
cLcmb" she pronouneo.l it the fir sTdav h t *" "'
fiou temm " before the week w.s o -er ; I "" "■
liero rioted by dav 1,. , , ^■"'""' ' '"'• '''» ynng
.^ouse.omt;t:Y;:::ar4;;\rn-'^
" ctr b '- Jit r ""T ^^■'■■^"^'-' K'«y -stored the
^erv:::s„;:rt;rnrrt"rtr''"v° -'''"'
As fho ^^ ^"°^'^ advanced,
repeated as many of Dr Aieo'^ ' ^^ ^^""^
Aunt .essir^anT^r: t':;;\t.°"Jr'M^;r-
Atkinson received them as cordi.,,' V Ir t,"
P-t. daughter, .ere an married L-;::;- J":
292
ROSE IN- BLOOM.
\m\
T t '"* ".ei.- pl^co; n„a nothing roomed
c .m,g«l e«o,,t „,,,t ,„o oU ,,ead« wore glor "d
the yo„„g ones a good deal t.lR. than «ix%Z .l'
Jn.n,e „„„,ediatoly fraternized with neLhot"'
boy« and devoted hin.self to fi»„i„g with „ CZ
wh,eh droned greater s.,c„e.. Aunt .ZT'Z
ellcd ,n tlie readn.g, for which she had no time It
hon,e ,• and lay in her hammock a happy woma wiih
:o\r,rr'^""--»-----epi:::
■ f^^l went about with Dulce like a very devoted
Uen wuh one rather feeble chicken ; for .he wa,™"
oj to have thi. treatment work well, and te, d'lT;
hie parent with daiiy increasing satisfaction. Dr
chM ir: "' ? '-^"' ." '"^ *'>'^' ™'' >'~oed the
evem of the season was the unexpected arrival of
tri!To "tl"" '"""" '"' '""'"' ""^ *° J-" th^- in »
git hotel toT""*""; '"' ^'^ ■•='" "^^ ^™» the
g.eat hotel to surprise her little mistress with a sisht
of her so well and happy that Rose had no anSv
left on her account. «inxiety
togethe,, talkmg as only girls can talk after a Ion,.
^„n and enjoying one another UketpV;:!
oveis. As .f to make it quite perfect, by one of
t::T^\ """■^'"™"™ -'-^ -melim'esreu
AK.h,e happened to run up for the Sunday ; so Phebe
fig seemed
ray or and
yoai-H ago.
'iglihoring
an ardor
essie rev-
) time at
iian, with
>ing cares
devoted
was anx-
'ided her
on. Dr.
iced the
le grand
rival of
lem in a
om the
a sight
anxiety
about
a lonjj
pair of
)ne of
occur,
PJiebe
AMONG THE HAY-COCKS, 093
I».id her surprise, an.l Aunt Jessie and ih . 1
J<q>t their socret so uvii "" tele.oraph
--a, .n,.ou;: i J ,,;;: ;: V'"''- ' "■'-'
pass. ^'*^ ^^'^ ^'m^y accident to
■ -0 way, Are,,,-: a„:„,V;;:2 •■";;' "'^■''^ '""""
I'ino-grovo. an^d o „ ho bif: J" "'' '° ''"""* "'«
romance about it . fo,i, l^ f ■"■'"" '''■"' " '■"lo "f
«.ftg.™<.e, tt wt ' t :;: "'V'"" '■"""""••" "'«
""-.. e„p at t„at Z Z^l^''''' "^ ''"" «"«' ^-^
I.'ng leiL-e ;,; f„r:'''T";f'™ -S-nea be"
o. ';;Xtri tn r Cm • ? f - ^^ ™"^" -
they used to play rV T '"'"^ *'"^ ''""■'« ^v-here
va.e,dottedwt^,ay!^ :,''::r:'-',''- '^^"» '"--
On the left, flowed 'bet ; It f '"'T^!"" ""'■''•
f"l <."l,«s in their bravest If "°"' '""' S™'^'^-
«;e p..rp.e bills sr: r:^:r ""; "■'"'"' --'^
glowed the midsu,„,„e,. sky ,vh aI'io fi , °™'''"'''
little D„Ice tired of ,,1 J , ! f' /'°"''"' " ''"•
«ho had made in one of tt 7 ';'"'* '" "'^ ""^'
Rose leaned againsr* ?, a, roT, ? '"■'?^ ^ ''""
^»>-^.-ea,. With her .or2 art-tt^Cil
r4
1?
I ii
ROSE m BLUOM.
afcioi-bfno: fancies they soe/ncd to bo • fo.. i .
;; Why iU.c!,vhe,-o,li,I you ,,,.,>,, f,,,„f„
The t..p of Mount Was ,,,o„. [low do you do ?"
" JJevc- bcuf,-. Won't you go in' Y„„ 7,
tired after such a fall » ' " """*' ''"
™o''":;,:t^r:;;/ ;:;::: ;;:,-'-^'>^-«He told
'<-youwe..e.ettin':oun7.!::',r:d';ir"':";
an^ta^in^ahayrr^-:::-^^^^^^^^
Rose subsided into her forn.er seat, sn'rveyin- her
CO s,„ wuh n,ueh satisfaction, as she said,-!^ " ''
rius ,s the third surprise I 've had since I c.me
tlnele :.opped in upon us first, then Phebe and
you. Have you had a pleasant tran,,; ^r Zv
you were off," ^ »jncie sai .
'Delightful! I feel n<, if t '^ k • ,
-Ht, for about ^^^ z^ L^z:;:-^:^
"You looK . , h.:,,.en suited you. Brown as a
• face was
the train
y, It'.'ivilicr
til e sound
ned from
:)f a very
jump up,
^oudo?"
must be
She told
H-n, and
■G ; so I
» if you
lapsack,
ing her
f came,
id now
le sail
en, or
break
J here
I as a
AMONG THE HAY-colKS. 2U5
berry ; but so fresh and happy, I shoul.l never guess
you had been scrambling down a mountain," said
Kose, trying to discover why he looked so well in
spite of tlu. Muo-flannel suit and dusty shoes; fur
there w.. a eertum sylvan freshness about him, .s he
sat he.c fuli of the reposeful strength the hills seemed
to have given, the wholesome cheerfulness days of
air and sunshine put into a man, and the clear, bright "
ok o one who had caught glimpses of a new woHd
II om the mountain-top.
'i Tramping agrees with me. I took a dip in the
river as I came along, and made my toilet in a place
where Milton's Sabrina might have lived," he said,
shaking back Lis damp hair, and settling the knot of
scarlet bunch-berries stuck in his button-hole
"You look as if you foun<l the nymph at home,"
said Rose, knowing how much he like.i the Comua
" I found her here;^ and he made a little bow
"That's very pretty; and I '11 give you one in re-
turn. You grow more like Uncle Alec every dav and
I think I 'II call you Alec, Jr." ^ ^'
'' ^lex^^n^ler the Great wouldn't thank you for that,"
ana Mac did not look as grateful as she had expected
''Very hke, indeed, except the forehea.l. His is
broad and benevolent; yours high and arched. Do
you know if you had no beard, and wore your hair
long, I really think you 'd look like Milton," added
Kose, sure that would please him.
It certainly did
am
use him ; for he lay back on the
!. "^1
I
296
MOSE IN BLOOM.
hay aiKl L-mgl^ed so heartily that his merriment scared
the squirrel on the wall and woke Dulce
"You ungrateful boy! will nothing suit you?
When I say you look like the best man I know, you
give a shrug; and, when I liken you to a great poet
• you shout: I'm afraid you are very conceited, mL;"
and Lose laughed too, glad to see him so gay.
"If I am, it is your fault. Nothing I can do will
ever make a Milton of me, unless I go blind some day,"
he said, sobering at the thought.
" V-o,! once said a man could be what he liked if he
tried hard enough ; so why shouldn't you be a poet?"
asked Kose, liking to trip him up with his own 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 an one?" asked Mac
boking at her as seriously as if he really thought of'
trying it. ^ & ^
"No: I'd rather have you one or the other. I
don t care which, only you must be famous in either
you choose. I '.n very ambitious for you ; because, I
insist upon it, you ..re a genius of some sort. I think
It IS beginning to simmer already, and 1 've a great
curiosity to know what it will turn out to be "
Mr:c's eyes shone as she said that, but before he
could speak a little voice said, " Aunty Wose f " and
he turned to find Dulce sitting up in her nest, Staring
at the broad blue back before her with round eyes
I"
nt scared
lit you?
now, you
2at poet,
[, Mac ; »
do will
ne day,"
id if he
poet?"
words,
•oetical
!d Mac,
ght of
ler. I
either
luse, I
think
great
re he
" and
ariug
9.
AMONG THE IIAY-COCKS. 297
"I)o you know your Don ?" he asked, offerini. his
hand with respectful gentleness; for she seemed ^a lit-
tle doubtful whether he was friend or strancror
"It is 'M.t,'" said Rose, and that fantiliar word
seemed to reassure the child at once; for, leaning for-
ward, she kissed him as if quite used to doing it.
"I picked up some toys for her by the way, and she
shall have them at once to pay for that. I didn't
expect to be so graciously received by this shy mouse,"
said Mac, much gratified ; for Dulce was very chary
o( her favors. ^
"She knew you ; for I always carry my home-album
with me, and when she comes to your picture she
always kisses it, because I never want her to forget
her first friend," explained Rose, pleased with her
pupil.
"First, but not best," answered Mac, rummaging in
his knapsack for the promised toys, which he set forth
upon the hay before delighted Dulce.
Neither picture-books nor sweeties; but berries
strung on long stems of grass, acorns and pretty
cones bits of rock shining with mica, several blue-
birds feathers, and a nest of moss with white pebbles
tor eggs.
''Dearest Nature, strong and kind," knows what
children love, and has plenty of such playthings ready
for them all, if one ouly knows how to find them.
These were received with r.pture ; and, leaving the
little creature to enjoy them in her own quiet way,
298
ROSE IN BLOOM.
Mac began to tumble the things back into his knap-
sack agant. T,vo or three books lay near Rose and
" Keats ? I didn't know yon condescended to read
any h,„g so .nodern," she said, moving the pane „
see the page beneath. ^ '^
Mac looked „p, snatched the book out of her hand
and shook down several n,ore scraps; then retured
■t wth a curiously shame-faced expression, saying as
he crammed the papers into his pocket - ^
" I beg pardon, but it was full of rubbish. Oh, yes '
I m fond of Ke.ats ; don't you know him ? » ^ '
"I used to read him a good deal; but uncle found
me crymg over the 'Pot of Basil,' and advised m to
::'tr''r''''Tr'''"^°''^^''™'''«---"
seemg them , for a new idea had just popped into her
"' The Eve of St. Agnes ' is the most perfect love-
St ry.,.c world, I think," said Mac, enthusiastic:, y
neaa it to me. I feel iii«f i;v« i.^„ •
you wdl do it justice if you are fond of it:- sai Ro
handmg h.n. the book with an innocent air. '
„ f;^'"]f-' '' '""' ''^«-- ' but it is rather long."
1 11 tell you to stop if I get tired. Baby won't
nterrupt; she will be contented for an 1 our wTtU
those pretty things." '"
. As if well pleaded with his task, Mac laid himself
his kn ap-
pose, and
■ked by a
to read
paper to
Br hand,
•eturned
ying, as
)h, yes !
e found
[ me to
) senti-
vithout
ito her
t love-
tically.
y, and
Rose,
5>
won't
with
inself
AMONG THE HAY-COCKS. ' 299
comfortably on the grass, and leaning his head on his
hand read the lovely story as only one could who en-
tered fully into the spirit of it. Rose watched him
quaint fancy, delicate description, or delicious word •
heard how smoothly the melodious measures fell from
his hps, and read something more than admiration in
his eyes, as he looked up now and then to mark if she
enjoyed it as much as he.
She could not help enjoying it; for the poet's pen
pun.ted as well as wrote, and the little romance lived
bc^tore her: but she was not thinking of John Keats
as she listened ; she was wondering if this cousin was
a kindred spirit, born to make such music and leave as
sweet an echo behind him. It seemed as if it mi^ht
be ; a.d, after going through the rough caterpillar
and the pent-up chrysalis changes, the beautiful but-
terfly would appear to astonish and delight them all.
So full of this fancy was she that she never thanked
him when the story ended ; but, leaning forward, asked
ma tone that made him start and look as if he had
lallen from the clouds, —
" Mac, do you ever write poetry ^ "
" Kever."
" ^''=" ™« "°t''i»g 'i'l she put the rauaic to it. But
fi i^'-omised not ■"- " " "
she
tell.
She didn't; I
Rose, delighted to have caught 1
suspected, and now I know," laughed
8(
i »
"i:
urn.
soo
HOSE IN BLOOM.
le
Much discomfited, Mac
""i"g on both elbows tried to hide h
gave poor Keats a fling, and
had reddened like that ofT . ""' ' ^'' ''
about her lover. "''^''' ^"'^ "^^" ^-^«^d
PoZ'svfp" '"' " ^'"'^^' '^ ''« - -n to write
poet y, said Rose, amused at his confusion.
Maju:;i::r.^'"^*"^^^^^
" It is a greater sin to tell a fib nn.i o
write it." ' ^ ^"^y y^ii never
" Mac, are you in love ? "
hay-seed in h;« i, • lover-hke with
mg from tree to hay-cock ' ^ ^"
AMONG THE IIAY-COCKS.
301
in
poetry
yon might be owini? to
that
'» since it wasn't
u
It is the good conij
tiling. A fell
<iny I 've been keeping, if any
and not be the better for
because in the scramble life
ow can't si,end 'A Week ' with Th
oreau.
it. I'm glad I show it
i« to most of
hour wifl, I ""^ "'^' ^^'^^^ "»
book out of h,s pocket with tl>e air of introduci..
a dear and honored fiicud, °
"I've read bits, and lik.^d then, : they are so ori.n
nal and fresh and .on.eti.ne. droll," .said^Ro 1 n "
to see what natural and appropriate „n,rk. of Ipproh !
t.on the elements seemed to set upon the paJes Mao
was turtung eagerly; for one had evidltryb!™
.amed on, a crushed berry stained another, some Z
preoattve fieId-n,ouse or squirrel had nibbled one
comer, and the cover was faded with the sunshine
wh._ch seemed to have filtered through to the thou^
" Here 's a characteristic bit for you • ^
" ' ];"f^ ™*ei- sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to
myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. I J , d
•ather „de on earth in an ox-cart, with free circtda
t.o„, than go to heaven in the fancy car of an exc ,
«on tram, and breathe malaria all the ,vay '
" I 've tned both m,d quite agree with him," laughed
Mac ; and, skimming down another
paragraph here and there.
pa
&^ 5 a
a\e h
or a
t n
302
'« (
ROSE IN BLOOM.
Read the bost books fi
chance to read them at all.'
rst, or you may not have
but
We do not lean, much from lcarno.1 Looks, b,„
from «,„cere h„,„n„ L„„k«. f,,,,,,,, ,,„,„,, Uog™,,, ies.'
'At least let «s have healthy books. Let the noet
be as vigorous as a sugar-maple, with sap euou^^h to
mamtam h,s own verdure, besides what runs iut^ the
rough; and not like a vine which, being cut i, t "
jrmg, bears no fruit, but bleeds to doatt in the en-
deavor to heal its wounds.' "
"That will do for you," said Rose, still thinking of
Mac flashed a quick look at her and shut the book
snnle lurked about his mouth, —
"We shall see, and no one need meddle; for, as my
J-horeau says, — ^ '^ ^y
Whate'er we leave to God, God does
And blesses us:
The work we clioose sl.ould be our own
God lets alone.' "
poft:::i"r"^"°°"-'"'""^*''^*^''^^---"'«
"Come, you h„e catechised me pretty well; now
Led "'T" '"' "* ""y^- ■-'^' up-
lifted, as you call .t. What have you been doin. to
™a ey „f , ,., „,^ ^„„,. ^^^_^^^^_^^ ^^^^ ^^o
have
AMONG THE flAY-COCKS. 303
itti Th ' 1: : '' "' ''■■'"''^ """ <="'"<'"'«i with
1 t Ic things „s Dulce i,, ,„„1 feel ns if I ,,,,„,^ '
OKU... thnn „he," .....erod ,ho giri, fee,i„g „, , " ^,^
change was g„i„g „„ i„ that pleasant sort of pause b"
unable to describe it. *^ '
" ■ As if „ rose sliouM shut and lo a bud again,' "
murmured Mae, borrowing fron> his belove,, Keats.
whefhtlR ™ °"'"" ' """' S° » "'ooming
whether I hke it or not, and the only trouble I havf
« to know what leaf I ought to unfold next "sad
Rose playfully smoothing out the white gown L
wh.c she looked very like a daisy among the^gr::,',.
How far have you got?" .nsked Mac, continuing
h.8 catechism as if the fancy suited him ^
" Lot me see. Since I came home last year, I 've been
gay, en sad, then busy, and now I am sim;iy happy
I don t know why ; but seem to be waiting ^ J^^
llZl^T'^'iTr '•^""^'°- 'M»H..psuue !
Mac watched her thoughtfully for a minute, wonder-
mg how many more leaves must unfold, before the
the sun He felt a curious desire to help in some way
nd coul think of none better than ,o Iffer her ^.I^
he had found most helpful to bin.self. Picking „p
•I?*,'
I
I m
304
ROSE IN BLOOM.
ahother book he opened it at a place where an oak-
ea y, and, handing it to her, said, as if presenting
something very excellent and precious —
^ "If you want to be ready to take whatever comes
in a brave and noble way, read that, and the one
where the page is turned down."
Rose took it, saw the words " Self-Reliance," and
turning the leaves, read here and there a passage'
which was m.wkod:— I'-'J,^
'"My life is for itself, nnd not fo. .a spectacle.'
Ins,st o„ yourself: never imitate. That whieh
eaeh can do best, none bnt his Maker can teach hin, '
hone . ' '''""'' " "'"Sned to you, and you cannot
nope or dare too much.'
Then coming to 'the folded leaf, whose title was
Heroism," she read, and brightened as she read _
" ' Let the maiden, with erect soul, walk serene'ly on
her way; accept the hint of each new experience:
search m turn all the objects that solicit her eye, that
she may learn the power and the charm of her new-
born being.'
" 'The fair girl who repels interference by a de-
cided and proud choice of influences inspires eyery
beholder with something of her own nobleness; and
the silent heart encourages her. friend, never
stnke sail to a fear! Come into port greatly, or sail
With God the seas.'
"You understand th.at, don't you? "asked Mac, as
she glanced up with the look of one who h.ad found
somcthmg suited to her taste and need.
3 an oak-
resenting
er comes
the one
3C," and,
passage
le.'
it which
I him.'
I cannot
tie was
Id,-
nely on
irienuej
^e, that
r new-
a de-
eveiy
3; and
never
or sail
[ac, as
found
AMONG THE HAY-COCKS.
805
"'■■.t,- don't myself "J^bl f ""Jo'^an.l ,,1, of
essays I Ve ra^La, as w ,, fL'"""",";"' '"^ '""
Try them, and let „c Jot hn T "'''' ^™"''»''ip-'
you the bck." "" "'^'^ ^»"- I '" leave
Only A..nt JesLTnay ^i IVC „ T "™ "'" ^""•
tiy Emerson." ^""'"S »" ail's, if I
" Why should she f He ha, ,ln„„
•nen and «.ome„ thinkin" thn """■' '" '"' >""'"S
at least. Don't yo "h S-' IfT" " 1" '"" "^"""'^
take it, and go ahead as hHl Ji'l!'"" ^°" "^■"■
"' Without halting, „i,„„„t^
Wtmg Better up to Best.'"
" I '11 try," said Rose, meeklv • f<,„i- .,
been going ahead him eTf .'eL a ?
any suspicion. '''^''* ^^^^ she had
Here a voice exclaimed "Hallo"' . a ^ .
co.o.usofKi:srr„iLr:;:rfr;;-'
-lasses.a„dy in one hand. sever;,"'l%X:: .
I:
30C
noSE IN Br.OOM.
chenshea cretully i„ tho other, and hi» l,„t «.oll on the
back o£ h,s head, disj.laying as many freckles as one
some,vhat limited nose could reasonably accommodate.
How are you, young one ?" said Mae, nodding.
Tip-top Glad it's you: thought Archie mi.ht
have turned up .again, and he 's no fun. Where did
you come from ? What did you come for ? How lon<r
are you going to stay? Want a bit? It 's jolly good "
Wnh which varied re.aarks Jamie .appro.ached,
shook h.ands m a manly w.ay, and, sitting down beside
his long cousin, hospitably offered sticks of candy all
round. ^
"Did you get any letters?" asked Rose, declining
the sticky treat. ^
" Lots : but mamma forgot to give 'em to me, an.* I
was rather m a hurry; for Mrs. Atkinson said somebody
had come, and I couldn't wait," explained Jamie, re-
posmg luxuriously with his head on Mac's legs, and
his mouth full. to^, dua
« I '11 step and get them. Aunty must be tired, and
we should enjoy reading the news together "
"She IS the most convenient girl that ever was,"
observed Jamie, as Rose departed, thinking Mac might
like some more substantial refreshment than sweet,
meats.
" I should think so, if you let her run your errands
you lazy httle scamp," answered Mac, lookin.. after
her as she went up the green slope; for the°e was
somethmg very attractive to him about the slender
AMONG T(IE HAY-COCKS.
»
307
%'"-o in a |,l.,in n-hite ^own with . hi. i. , ,
-If, a,s «l,o v,„,i»lK..I u,Hl„.. tic . "it; ■ T '" "'""
over the garden-gate. ^oarlet-ru.n.ers
" Oh, well ! she liko^ \t o • ^
I '.nver, good to t;i/r;;': :"':'■"""■"'
Ja.„ie, eal,„ly explaining. " I , tlL "/ """"""'
hook, when it eajght inTnyle! v tl ! - ""' ' '*"
n.Kl you M better believe it ^.'t but I "" '""■'"'* '
a bit, and .,e .aid I ,..3 a b.: -boy Z'Tr '"'""'
*.y I got left on n,y desert i.iand, -o.tl! uLI
yottk„o,v,_tl,e boat floated off and .t, r ^ '
as much as an hour before I Id , ''" ^ *"^ ^"
But Rose tbougbt I nir tbr^r r^ ''T
came, and told n>e to swim ashore It V It™ ,""
the water was horrid eold, and I d Mn' ,L '.l ''"'
started though, just a, she aid and .00 I '
t"> about half way, then erarnp ZZ:^ "S"''
me shnt up and howl, and she cale afte 1 f "/"'^
and pulled me ashore. Yes si, !, 1 . '^^^^'
and looked so funny I ll' LT' 71 '^ " '"'■""'
crump Wasn't iT , , ^ '"' ' """^ *'^--« ""'cd the
„„,,f,- ''^"•"' ' ^ S°°<1 '» ™">d when she said, ' Con,e
" She was, to dive after sueh a seape-^raee I „
" lead her a life of ,. „.,„,,, b,,C° " ' ■ ^ f "
j^t.ci rake yuu liuuie
suggested Mac, rolling the
you
f. i 'i
i
\V
f
308
UOSIS IN BLOOM.
boy over, a„,I g,v,ng l,i,„ , goo,l.„.turo,l p„,n,„ellin„
When IW rcturnea with ice-cold ,„ilk, gi„„„,.
up n the tree, pelt.ng „„d being pelto.I witl. green
a,.,.les, as Jan.ie vainly endeavored to get at I, ,
as tai as tlie old clinrch witli him
"Shall you walk all the way?" she asked, as he
st,.c.alo^ghesidehe,l„ the dewy freshness'oMhe
wb;k"L*:'„;r;k"t'' '''°" r: "-' -'
, ,. J woiJi, he answered, breakinfr a
delicate fern for her. oreaKing a
" ^re you never lonely ? "
" Never : I take my best friends along, you know "
and ho gave a slap to the pocket from wlLh peeped
the volume of Thoreau. ' ^ '^
"I 'm afraid you leave your very best behind you "
Ba.d Rose, alluding to the book he had lent her ye' te;.
it b/'" ^'f *?. *"'' ■' ^'* >'°"- I have much of
disco™, "t V T " ^"^' "»^' "^ ^- «" -™
aiscove., he answered, ta,,ping his head.
"I hope the reading will do as much for me a, it
Wise and good : l want to be, also."
WHICH WAS iTf
809
Read away, and digest it well ; then write, and tell
me what yon think of it. Will you?" he sk"d 1
they paused where the four roads Lt. '^ "'^'"^«
" ^^ y«" ^ill answer. Shall you h.tve time with all
your other work ? Poofrv ti . '"t^ wiin all
is verv .Wi '"'^'^^-^^^^gP'-^'-^^on- medicine
I ve,y absorbing, you know," answered Rose mis
c nevously ; for just then, as he stood barehead d Ti h
he shadows of the leaves playing over his fine W
head she remembered the ehat among the hay-cock
and he did not look at all like an M.D. '
" I '11 make time."
" Good-by, Milton."
" Good-by, Sabrina."
:
f r
»)
>»
CHAPTKR XVIII.
WHICH WAS ITf
J^OSE did read and digest, and found her days
an .ntr„d„ct,on to so „„.eh that wa, wise, bea ,t f
n true conid not but .ake that .onth a'n,e„::: b J
admired H T f ' """'^ «"' J^-S man most
admired "Heroism" and " Self-Rcliance," the girl pre
nTov /ir "' "^"-^^'•iP'"-'«ng thro™
and over hkc prose poems, as they are, to the fitting
310
ROSE m BLOOM.
larity. ^'^' ^''^ Praiseworthy regu-
Rose much enioved tJii« ,.^,..
clierished brown beard Lw7 t '""'' *'"'
c»t ..outh and ha„;ir : ^r;^; ""■■" ^ "-" '
presrion to the whole face ^ ""^ " "'^ ^^-
wh.her the ehan|e was' a-.^:! l' T r^"'
coo,'r"^'"^""'""'»''"^!-W' answered Mac,
he may be" ' "" '"""^■' '"'^ S''"-! or g,-eat
" You haven't succeeded then ■ fn,- „ , ,
very ,„„oh like the Tonng A ,„,;„'. ,!-" '"f ""^
^ ^^I'to'iHiks, returned Rose,
WHICH WAS IT1
311
rather pleased, on the whole, to see what a finely
shaped head appeared after the rough thateh was off
I rust a woman to find a eomparison for every
h.ng nnder the sun!" laughed Mae, not at all fla^
tered by he one just made. " VVhat do you think of
me, on the whole?" he a.ked a minute later, as he
found Rose sfll scrntinizing him with a meditatiye air.
Hayen t made up my mind. It is such an entire
change I don't know you, and feel as if I ought to be
in reduced. You eertainly look much more tidy ; and
I fancy I ^HaU like it, when I'm used to seeL. a
somewhat d.stinguished-looking man abont the ho°use
nstead of my „,d friend Orson," .answered Rose, with
her head on one side to get a profile view.
wlfl*"" ,"""'" ^'''^"''"''■P''='^^<=^ he thinks it
was for the sake of coolness, and likes it, so t,.ke no
notice ; tbey are all used to me now, and don't mind,"
8a.d Mae, rov „g .about the room as if rather ash.amed
ot his whim after all.
Z^Z' ^ ^'"'''' *"" ^°" """""'' '"!"<' « I '•" not as
oeiable as „sa.al for a while. I never can be with
strangers, and you really do seem like one. That will
be a punishment for your want of taste and love of
onginahty," returned R„.se, resolved to punish him for
the slight put upon her beloved uncle.
"As you like. I won't trouble you much anyway;
for I m going to be very busy. M.ay go to L this
winter, ,f uncle thinks best; and then my ' originality'
oan't annoy you." J b -j
ii-ii
T?T
312
ROSE IN BLOOM.
"I hope you won't jro Wh^r Tif„ t , .
. «o kno. and enjo, .orand^fo'.H fje ^^ f' '"""^
time this winter rea,lin„ V,^? "™ " "'"^
yougor'andLrst":''"" 'r*"- «-'
.^» she hold him et II 1.7, '^^ '"' strangeness,
-..atw.::':,^rrr;:;r:.;rr-
:~r\ri::r^'™---'-'^v
'"«, saying sadly - '" "^"' "" ^"^'^ ■'"'--'l
" ^ appose it is natural for von all t„ .
»d push oil ; h„t it is hard or'm et t "■"""''
after the other, and stay here alone. C rU "is"" ""
Archie and Steve are wran. „„ • ^^'^^^^"' '» gone,
the boys a,vav and 7, '^t '^ '" """"■ «'™<'tl'earts,
Rose."^ ^' ■™' ""'y J™- '^ft to .play ^Uh
^--en stop J ahrnp:?;;: M^" lip?:"'??;
nearly said too much ^ ' ^ ^'^ ^^^
" There will be one comforf ^f
I-hehe, and ean teU meT at^ C.^";^;"'"^^'
ritetr Vt' '" ''■ ^ ^^•^" -- *--
g^ecs on, it she is eno-io-o/l +« • , ,,
the eoneerts il.ev talk ,/„ ^aged to smg ballads in
write, won't you P" "' "'"* ""'^■•- ^ou will
WHICH WAS IT?
813
" Oh, yes! no doubt of that," and Mac laughed low
to unself, as he stooped to look at the littlf pl^^^^
on the mantel-piece. « Whit . nr.f f .1 • • ^
added soberiy/as he tooiTit tp! ' "' """^ " " ' " '"'
" Be careful. Uncle o-ivo if 4-^ 1
„ 1 T » ^^^® ^t t^ "^0 last New-Yenr
and I -m ve.y fond of it. She i« J,..t ,ifti„g j.^. ^.^ ;•
tosee what Cupid i, lite; for she h..„-tseon h m t" "
«a d Rose, busy putting her work-table in order ' '
Yon ought to have a Cupid for her to kok at
Sh has been waiting patiently a whole year, with
theja«.hy,half.,ari„glookwhiehwasso„e;a„d
" Cupid flow away as soon as she woke him, you
longei till she can And and keep him "
a W f" r\ ■'"""'• ''" '""'^^ '""' yo" ^ I^""- tied "P in
a knot, and a spn^tual sort of face. Don't you see i^ ^ "
-ked Mac, turning the graceful little figure l^-d
n .U I ve been compared to a Fra Angelico angel
J.nt Agnes, and now .Syke,' as Annabefonce cXd
yol^w?f "' T' ' ■"'""' '* ^""''J ^™^ -*hed
you, own face when you were listening to music talk
ng e,amestly, or n,uch moved; then^our ul f
mto your eyes and you are - like Psyche "
" ^"' """ *" "«' 'i'"<= you see me i„ a -soulful'
■i i]
ill
I
I 4i
!14
ROSE m BLOOM.
Bt»to and I'll look i„ the glass ; for I'd ,„« to sec if
"' Your feet in tl,e full-grown grasses.
Moved soft as a soft wind blows •
Ymi passed me as April passes, '
With a face made out of a rose ' "
wh,tefig„ogo,„g„p.,g,ee„ slope one s,.n>,L day
then as .f chuhng himself for sentimentality, he set
Psyche down with great care, and be^an to taVahn
a course of .olid reading for the wint; '""*
welr'as't'sf "rT"""'" "' ''™ f- -™-'
weeKs, as he seemed to be making un for lo«t ti
»d .-as more odd and absent tha! ever Thin h ™d
T:L^ ''' "^""-"^ — -" - the'etan';"'
!,•",.?,, """='■ ™y«. an'l "'atehed the "distin
As the famly were in mourning, there were no fes
t.v.t,es on Rose's twenty-first birthday, thoLh Z
boys had planned all sorts of reioiein,; T
felt particnlarly tender toward the rgi! 'on Z'dr
remembering h,w <^poor Charlie " had^oved he ' an^d
they trted to show it in the gifts and good wis, es't y
WHICH WAS ITf
315
1
sent her. She fonnd her sanctum all aglow Avith an
tunm leaves, and on her table so many rare and pretty
things she quite forgot she was an heiress, and only
felt how rich she was in loving friends.
One gift greatly pleased her, though she could not
help smiling at the source from whence it came • for
Mac sent her a Cupid, -not the chubby child with a
face of naughty merriment, but a slender, winded
youtn, leaning 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 of the
hues; for, instead of being witty, complimentary, or
gay, there was something nobler than mere sentiment
m them, and the sweet old fable lived again in Ian-
guage which fitl," painted the maiden Soul looking for
a Love worthy to possess it. v
Rose read them over and over, as she sat among the
gold and scarlet leaves which glorified her little i^ora
and each time found new depth and beauty in them •
looking from the words that made music in her ear to'
the lovely shapes that spoke with their mute grace to
her eye. The whole thing 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 of
her cousin's taste and talent, seeing nothing in it but
an affectionate desire to please her.
All the rest dropped in at intervals through the
• day to say a loving word, and last of all came Mac
Rose happened to be alone with Dulce, enjoying a
Im
316
ROSE IN BLOOM.
splendid sunset from her av astern window ; for Octo-
ber gave her cliild a beautiful good-night.
Rose t.n-ned round as he entered, and, putting down
the httle girl, went to him with the evening red shin-
ing on her happy face, as she said gratefully _
" Dear Mac, it was so lovely ! I don't know how to
thank you for it in any way but this." And, drawing
down his tall head, she gave him 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
pl.-iyfnlly, thinking to relieve the shyness of so youn<r
a poet, "Never say again you don't write poetry, or
call your verses rubbish : I knev, you were a genius
I wiir-'"' '"'' '' '''"'' '^''''^ '"''^^ '' ^^^^"«^'
" No. It isn't genius : it is - love ! » Then, as she
shrunk a httle, startled at his^ energy, he added, with
an effort at self-control which made his voice sound
strange, —
"I didn't menn to speak, but I can't suffer you to
deceive yourself so. I ^,„, tell the truth, and not
let you km me like a cousin when I love you with all
my heart and soul!"
"O Mac, don't joke!" cried Rose, bewildered by
so welf " ^'™'"' '"'" " """"■' '■'" *''""'S''' ^'"' '^■"="-
"I 'm in solemn earnest," he answered, steadily, i„
Bueh a q„,et tone that, but for the p,Io excitement of
WHICH WAS ITt
317
h.8 face she might have rtoubtefl l,i.s wor.l,. "JJo
-on to «„e,.k. 1 ought to wait fo,- yea™, no, an"
M you .ee.„ed .o happy I J.,,a to ho'.o y^u'^dt '
" Forgotten what ? " askeU R030, sharply.
" Charhe."
"Ah! you all will insist on believing that I Wed
'"■" ^f «^'- !"'"' ^ "M ■' " «1- cried, witl, both pain and
mpat,en* .„ her voice; for the family dolus on tried
her very much at times.
"How could we help it, when he was every thin.
li he sometimes wondered at their want of insight.
/ do not admire weakness of any sort : I could
never love without either confidence or respect, d'
me^the_just,ce to believe that, for I'm tired of being
She spoke almost passionately, being more excited
by Mac s repressed emotion than she had ever been by
n 't wT:"'"^ '^■"""''-«-' '■>-S" ^^^ ^^
" But he loved you so ! '> began Mac ; feeling as if a
barrier had suddenly gone down, but not daring to
venture m as yet.
"That was the hard part of it! That was why I
r.ed to love him,- why I hoped he would stand fast
fo. my sake, .f not for his own; and .hy I found it
so sad sometimes not to be able to help despising him
M J
318
ROSE IN BLOOM.
for Ms want of courage. I don't know how others feel
t ust and honor with „,y whole heart, and find
trength and integrity to lean on. I hav had It '
far, and I know I eo,.ld not live without it "
it "r ,i''M '' ' '■'^'^ °"^- ^° y°" ''°P« to find
.t, Rose?" Mao asked, feeling, with the h!„„i,ity o
aje„„,ne love, that /« codd not give her all'she
" ■^^f *« answered, with a face full of the beauti
fu conhdence in virtue, the instinctive desire fo
best wh.eh so „.any of us lose too soon, to iind .aga ^
afte. M s great lessons are well learned. " I do hope
;': "' rr ' "-^ "<" *° '-^ ".-easonaMe ::;
e.xpect perfection. Smile if you will, but I won't
grveupmyhero yet," and she tried to speak li;,;
toTi? '"' "■" ""'^^ *- ^ -- <i4rou's'
"You '11 have to look a Ion. while, I 'm afraid," and
all the gkw was gone out of Mac's face; f;r he
understood her wish, and knew his answer had ^een
"I have uncle to help me; and I think my ideal
grew out of my knowledge of him. How can I M to
and I;- '" ™"' ""'" "^ *°^' --^ -'-' ■' -n be
ver/ntlT Z '*"■ r '" "^ ''"^ ""^' f°^ I have
t.n I d earned a nght to hope for so.uething i„ return
Wnwu WAS ITf 319
I cannol take it baplv- • l.nf t • ,
c u uack , but I can wish you success anrl
" ' "' ^ '"^ "">* SO.ng away ,riih„„t „,o,.c words
aecep .„„ ,he inevitable a, ,na„£„.,y a. ,,e could '
Jl.auk yo,K that makes ,ne feel very unarateful
and „„k,nd. I wish I could answer as you ™ t ,
; for, uuleed, dear Mao, I >,„ very fond of y"^ "
and f a„k affection ,n her face, it was no wonder th'e
..;t:rri::rr,;;;;''j''"-':r-'-
find hi,,.- , .• ^ ^' y**'"''* '"'foi-e you
find him , meantnne, yon eonld be practising on me in
ways that wonld be nsefnl when you get hinr,'"
O Mac! what »■/,«« I do with yon?" exclaimed
w::;7rr';f-'^'^ "^ '"^^ ™-^ ""■« «
oy, foi hcwaslookmg at her with his heart in hil
eyes though his proposition was the ,nee 'est c "
made at such a time. '
andtt*mTir '""^ '""' "' ""^ '" ^""^ °™ -ay,
and let mo love yon as much as I like in mine I M
try to be satisfied with that " . ,^ i, » , ,
hands so beseechingly that the felt '"*" '^'
than ever. ' '"''™ ungrateful
of ytr- "™ '"" """"■■■ ^^■'■^>' --''' become
It.
320
HOSE IN BLOOM.
I Bhonhl resemble Uncle Alec in one thing at
least, -fidelity ; for my first love would be my last "
That went straight to Rose's heart ; and for a min-
ute she stood silent, looking down at the two strong
hands that held hers so firmly, yet so gently ; and the
thought went through her mind, " Must he too be
solitary all his life? I have no dear lover as my
mi™' "'' """' ' ""'' ''" '^PP^ ^"^^ '''■^''
It did not seem very hard; and she owned that,
even while she told herself to remember that com'
passion was no equivalent for love. She wanted to
give all she could, and keep as much of Mac's affectioi
as she honestly might ; because it seemed to grow
more sweet and precious when she thought of putting
It away. ^ »
" You will be like uncle in happier ways th n that.
I hope ; for you, too, must have a high ideal, and find
her and be happy," she said, resolving to be true to
the voice of conscience, not be swayed by the impulse
01 the moment.
"i;ia..found her, but I don't see any prospect of
happmess, do you ? " he asked, wistfully.
"Dear Mac, I cannot give you the love you want,
but I do trust and respect you from th. bottom of my
heart, if that is any comfort," began' Rose, looking up
with eyes full of contrition, for the pain her reply must
give, r J »
She got no further, however; for those last words
I
WHICH WAS ITf 32J
wro.,ght a marvellous change in Jf,c n •
h^cls, he stood erect a/ if " , "™''P'"S Lor
-org, and hope, .hit ZefhX'tr ^"''''""
b'-ave, bright look, which for the '''" """"' "
» nobler and a ^on.eli ■ I ^ 'r"'™' ""-'" '""'
Prince had been. '""^ ''™'- handsome
" I' »'■' a comfort I " he siirl ;„
that tonched her very „""''";. ^ *'"'^°* S^'Hnde,
must be fonnded on resnect n i ., ' '""^ ^°"'' '"^^
-:why„a„i„„,;::2::/'';v'"'''r«-'-
<".* every thing is possible ,vl en „ne 1 ? ""*'
heart and soul and strength R 7 ""'' "" '"'
hero if a mortal n,an c n e°J, t .h'? ^"' ''^ ^o"
and wait for years T "I'l \ °"' ' ''"™ '° "'"^k
^'--^oit^L'tbeTrilJrid'T '"<'•-''''«
n.y wits: I. ve just found C , / ? "°"°«'
th-ng: I '11 never speak of m^^'e l^^- "* ""^
;^rt;iV"""''-^'''""^'"'^'~r^^
witn the last words ntt.... i •
>-Iniehis face glowed I'i" /" ' ""^'"^ ^-««>
as if can-ied ou^o ^ J^ f^^ ^^ ^^ looked
to change words to dT '''^'"' ^^^^ ««« ^^ger
h ^voias to deeds and begin his task nf
Rose was so amazed by all th?s T. . "''•
trembling a little not w,>f / ' ''* '^^' ^'"^^ ^«^n
^alf Plefsure t:if~ fj ^ -^-> ^ut a feeling
power-srbt^e sfrnn / ''"'^ ^^ ««n^e «ew
l^'-oftheo„eshehadk^w„solo;::,!llrtrt:
f'\
ill
fl' il
322
ROSE IN BLOOM.
ambitious man, ready for any work, now that the
magical moment had como, when every thing seems
possible to love. If hope could work such a marvel-
lous change for a moment, could not happiness do it
for a lifetime? It would be an exciting experiment
to try, she thought, remembering the sudden illumina.
tion which made that familiar face both beautiful and
strange.
She could not help wondering how long this unsus-
pected sentiment had been growing in his heart, and
felt perplexed by its peculiar demon, stration ; for she
had never had a lover like this before. It touched
and flattered her, nevertheless : and she could not but
feel honored by a love so genuine and generous ; for
It seemed to make a man of Mac all at once, and a
manly man too, who was not daunted by disappoint-
ment, but could " hope against hope," and resolve to
make her love him if it took years to do it.
There was the charm of novelty about this sort of
woomg, and she tried to guess how he would set about
It, felt curious to see how he would behave when next
they met, and was half angry with herself for not
bemg able to decide how she ought to act. The more
she thought the more bewildered she grew ; for hav-
mg made up her mind that Mac was a genius, it dis-
turbed 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 trying to prepare for it:
and, tired with vain speculations, carried Dulce off to
li
that the
ing seems
a marvel-
ness do it
Jcperiment
ilhnnina-
itiful and
lis unsus-
icart, and
; for she
touched
[ not but
rous; for
ce, and a
Jappoint-
jsolve to
sort of
et about
len next
for not
lie more
For, hav-
3, it dis-
3uch an
;t what
3 for it;
3 off to
^VniCH WAS IT? 323
bed, wishing she could tuck aw-iv ho. .
quietly and comfortably as L d , "'" '""^^'^^ "«
charge. ^ '^^ ^'^^ '^^r «lo,.py i^,^
^Simple and sincere in all fl,;,
new surprise by kccpinl , ^^- ^'' ^'''' ^^««^' ^
asked nothiu. of UrfT ''"'"'■'" '" '^'' ^^^tor,-
-tonasif;:;.ic-;:v^^^
fHendly way. No, ^^t .^ .X: ' ''''1 '" '''' ^^^
«'- least expected it, she^aw^n L T'' "'^"
expression in his face, a look ! ^"^^^''^^^'-'^le
«u<Men sunshine over her „!;"'""' '"^ «^'^^ ^
"ntarily, her color rise n d kr'^ 'T ^^'" '^'" '-«^-
'•^ moment. Not a wol-d did '"' ^''^' ^"'^■^'^"' ^-
a new atn.osphere sTr J t^h^; '" l'^ ^^'^^ •^''-
and, although he used non of U mT i^ "" '^^
lovers employ to keep the flam, '^'^^^'^ "^^^*
ble to forget that underneath hi. . .' '] "^"^ '"'^^''^-
l^i^clen world of flre and ^0^ 1^^^ ^ ^
touch, a word from her ^ ^^^^'' ^t a
temptation, than .he .., ^ ^^ ZT'' •^"""^
sible to be unconscious of h ' '''" ""P"^-
-ist the fiais of it Xh ,' : ''"""' "■• "'-"^^ *»
O-O -ever felt thi, de.irelt J-'r ChT,"^'''- «"«
only one who had touched her hoan • 7,^" ""^ "">
stmitly asking as well n. ' ""^ *"= ^"^ con-
•iemanding 1 LJet ^"'"^' """ ""'■^••-'' '-r by
,1,„. . *■ ™"'^''' Of oppressed h,, offc-'-
tliaii sue could accept. "'•' *^™""K more
324
ROSE m BLOOM.
Mac did
tiently,
was vei
pa-
>ither : he only loved her, silently, ,.„
Jlly ; and this generous sort of fidelity
.nent to a nature like hers. She could
»ot refuse or chide, since nothing waa asked or urged
here „„ „,,, ^, ^^,^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ g d
cou d L ; '"'' """ '- ""'"' -»P'--d.' All tha
Z and to T "■' """ '^ ^^ J"^' ^'"' "•- - "e
Zas to be "" "' *" '^ '" '""^ ^"''' ^''''*-- i'
life'' vet d-r t- '"'''* ''' "^" '"'''•^^' " P»' into her
Me yet d.d nothing to encourage it; and thought that
death. But it seemed to thrive on air; and presentlv
bat steadily influencing her in many ways. If Mai
had never told her that he meant to " rZke her " e
h.m, she might have yielded unconsciously; but now
she mistook the impulse to obey this undero™- nt foT
compassion, and resisted stoutly, not comprehending
yet the reason of the unrest which took possession !t
her about this time.
She had as many moods as an April day; and would
known them all. He saw enough, however, to gness
wha was the matter, but took no notice ; iol he C
this fever must run its course, and much medicine only
do s harm The others were busy about their own
affairs, and Aunt Plenty was too much absorbed ^
her rheumatism to think of love ; for the cold weath "
lilently, pa-
of fidelity
She could
• or urged ;
presumed ;
All that
true as he
'^hatever it
it into her
)ught that
starve to
presently
as slowly
If Mac
her love
but now
rrent for
ehending
ession of
id would
', had he
to guess
be knew
ine only
eir own
rbed in
weather
WHiCff WAS IT9 325
thi^ silent .„„ of ado.«i„r:ll'J:; t\ '''' ''"
vented her from stenrtll„ ^'"'' "^ '* V'^'
of trying to read useful book, whe T /'' ''" "''
tinually wandered to th T^' "" ""'"«'"« '^™-
".ascnne hel .ooSe'c'":, ""'"' "''^'' ^" '"«
ones like the Psvcheo '"'"' ""'' ">' *<""'"»<'
the be.t mul-o f t end 7;:""'^':''''''^^ *"''-«-
the pretty spri^g.olg ' thont 7'Z "ZT' '""
Dulce-s company wa/p,eal elt^ol * I'tT"'!
iom talked, so much me^it,.- ' "'"'' "«'-
Aunt Plenty's rTd I f """^ P"™""- Even
tract were pre eLr:'' "T"""' "•"' ^^"'^ «-
-^Hdeso':rteiTr:t:[irrr:"-
in tune after one of hpr off ^ ^ *^ P"* ^^r
o-.MtodoorlLtlCr'''''"''"'""''^''""''^
went into the Jy 'tol" "^i^^rkt T '^
hour when Mao wa, „.,„ally absent. "' "' ""
-nCe r"l: aXfU" -""^ ' "'" ^"» """^^ - ""e.
was alone ' '^"""'"^ " ''^■' •>««<» '» "e sure he
,;i*'?l
t
326
ROSE IN BLOOM.
But before she had taken three steps she stopped,
looking rather annoyed ; for the head that rose from
behind the tall desk was not rough and gray, but
brown and smooth, and Mac, not Uncle Alec, sat there
writmg. Late experience had tau.crht her that she had
nothmg to fear from a tete-^.te; and, having with
difficulty taken a resolution, she did 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 to cut it, as quietly as Nicholas
did on that "thrilling" occasion. Perhaps he 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
see you doing that," she added, taking courage from
his composure, and going as 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 touched the closely written page
before him, looking as if she would like to read it
That IS my abstract of a lecture on the circulation
of the blood," he answered, kindly turning it so that
she could see. " I don't write romances : I 'm li^iu^v
e stopped,
rose from
gray, but
3, sat there
at she had
ving with
to fail of
are busy ;
whether it
ut of her
Nicholas
3 he was
amily of
1 glad to
ige from
point as
nance I
en page
3ad it.
3ulation
so that
fi li
WHICH WAS ITf 327
one," a„d he glanced „,, with the happy, hopefal
expre.,.o„ which always ,„ade her feel as if he wa
heaping coals of Are on her head.
"I wish yon wouldn't look at me in. that way. it
fidgets me, she, said a little petnlantly; for she had
been „„, nd.ng, and knew that she did not present a
"ep.r.tual" appearance, after the frosty air had red!
dened nose as well as cheeks.
it " pi' r *" ,'''""""''^^- I' ^O"^ itself before I know
t Perhaps this may mend matters," and, taking out
the blue glasses he sometimes wore in the wind he
gi-avely put ther - ,. ' "*
Rose could , ...,p ,anghi„g, t^j ^is obedience
only aggrav.ated her; for she knew he could observ^
her all the better behind his ugly screen.
" No, It won't : they are not becoming ; and I don't
want to look bine when I do not feelso," she sa.d
fin .ng t impossible to guess what he would do „ rt
or to help enjoying his peculiarities. ^
"But yon don't to me; for in spite of the goggles
e -y thmg,s rose-colored now," and he pockefed the
" Never worked harder. But does it really trouble
you to know I love you ? " he ask.^d anxiously
Don't
you see how cross it makes me? "and she
walked away, feeling that things
intended to have them at all.
• 1
were not going as she
328
^^.S-^ 127 BLOOM.
"I don't mind the thonis if T n-of ^u
doing ,t with all my heart till v.„ ^ '"'
well, then I'm afrai,) T T "^' ""'' *''<'"-
knife "^ '■" P'" ''^ ^» involuntary «Iash „f hL
" Please don't, Mac i "
" I>on't which, love or hate ? »
ini • tVLrL^i hi::? ^t'-^ ^-^ -^ •"--
them when thc«^'' '" ""* ">" -"- ^ value
" Then if 1 suddenly grew verv t;,, j i j
caring about me »" ,LT R '''"'" '*°P
treatment would fee h r f ' ^""^"""^ '* *•""
touched and to 'nit 't™" " ''""'"" "■"<=" '""'•
-'^rejenM::;^:-
would be. »"^wea wliat a failure it
ose at last ;
'■" said this
ospect of a
ther I like
make any
ss.
ist go on
id then —
instead,"
sh of his
•ne else ;
to make
disquiet
>y bless-
I value
ou stop
if that
h both
liramer
lure it
r shall
Wmcff WAS IT? , 329
"Don't think about me if it troubles von "V. -^
tenderly. ^u"ks you, he said
-I'm ir-L- •;:; I-:,-:-
n IS a great disappointment tn fin,i i .
When I hoped sueh'Le things of ^ »' "'^^ "^'^^'^'^"
nn.l- ^.' ""'"^ y^^" ^^''^"t poetry when I Vp
nothmg on hand but love Win k.,u . !
you ? » ^^ ''''^^ together please
" Try and see."
" I 'II do my best. Any thing else ? » },n o i ^ . ^
getting the small task she'had fiv thim n h ' "
ness to attempt the greater. ' " ^'' ''^'"
" Tell me on«) thino- T Vp ^ft^^
"nd nov. you .peak o?it I •[, ^""'"^ *° ^'"'^'
J' "14 optJdK or It 1 Jl venture to n^l- -n-j
care about me when you r^ad Kelt, . , ^^"
mer ? " "^ ^^^^^ to me last sum-
" No."
1 . :■; e:r;et' '" 7°^""^ «""0 ""»^- '»
unconsoio:,;:: air'aZ rr : - r --
'o^.ou.o come Home, and :ar-:\o^«;r
II
V I
i I
i!ll
330
P^OSE IN BLOOM.
altej-ed for the botte,- i„ ao,ue way „. I ,„a fo„„c, yo„.
And when you came it was very eaa, to see why I
rttrC"'"™^""^"''-'------
toM it wlri' •'"*,'* "" ™""S''^ ^"^ ™'- that
e oquent Rose felt strongly tempted to add the sequel
Mao desired. But her eyes had fallen as he spoke
for she k„ew his were fixed upon her, dark and dlttV
w th the same repressed emotion that put sueh fervo
nto h s , ,„„^,_ ,,„^_ . _^^ ^^ ^_^^ ^^^^ ^^^ o,
women'f • °" ^ '"""'^ ""'" ^<""''-'- trifles aifect
women „„ously, and often most irresistibly when
some ag,tat.o„ sways them: the sight of 'he ^Id has
-k y.v dly recalled Charlie, for h'e had k eke V:
th n,ghtshe never liked to remember; like a spark
.t fired a long train of .^collections, and the thought
went through her mind,— tne thought
"I fancied I loved him, and let him see it; but I
deceived myself, and he reproached me for a sinl
look that said too much. This feeling is very d if e!
but too new and sudden to be tru^red. I '11 neUher
ok no,. ,,eak till I am quite sure; for Mac's I vel
fa. Jeeper than poor Charlie's, and I must be vl^
Not in -words did the resolve shape itself, but in a
qu^k .mpulse, which she obeyed, -Ltain h.at 1 1
ght^ s.„ce ,t was hard to yield to it. Only an n
stanfs sdence followed Mac's answer, as she sto d
found you.
see why I
iell you so.
voice that
■ words so
the sequel
he spoke ;
id dilated,
ch fervor
It to look
fles affect
>Jy when
old has-
ed it on
a spark
thought
t; but I
a single
ifferent,
neither
3 love is
be very
nt in a
i it was
an in-
stood
WHICH WAS IT? 33J
looking down with fingc-s intertwine,,, and color vary
ng .n her cheek. A foolish attitude ; Un Mac oug,^"
.t a .wcet pictur of maiden hesitation, and beZ t'
hope that a n,„„th's wooing was about to end if win
mng for a Iifeti,ne. He deceived >,in,self, howev "
and cold water fell upon his flame, subduin^Tut 1'
no me,n3 quenching it, when Rose looked up^wi 1 I
r of determmation, which could not escape eyi thu
w re growng wonderfully far-sighted latefy. ^
I came in here to beg uncle to advise you to ^o
away soon. You are very patient a„d forbeari g a^^
fee rt more than I can tell. But it is not goodir
rtM:r:rrkrr:rrf"-"^---
T u ^ "^'^ ^01' me to feel fhnt
I have so ,„„eh power over a fellow-creatu Go
away Mac, and sec if this isn't al, a mistake. Do!'
shnnl/l K^+v, , "tg.ui, and then we
should both reproach ourselves and each other. PIea,e
del I respect and care for you so much, I enn't be
happy take al, and give nothing. I try lo b^ 'm
no^t^„rc-I want to think-it is too soon to know
way, a^ she moved toward the door; for Mac's face
ough .t fell at first, brightened a, he went ol nd
a the last word, uttered a,most involuntarily he Ic"
332
1 i !
HOSE m BLOOM.
Don'
that
t say that you give nothing, when vou Vp in=f
shown me thnt T'«. **• ""t^nyou ve just
rae mat 1 m getting on. I '11 o-n • t 'ii .
onpp • inri c.«^ •£ 1 ^ ^' gOj i^ U. go at
once , and see if absence won't help you 'to thirfk to
know, and to be sure,' as it did me. I w sh i M
^r''"^^ "^^-^- you; as I can't, X.
retrea tnl" fT^ '""• " '^"^ ^^«« P-»-<^ in her
ret eat to look back with a startled face, a« he offered
Zt\^f'r:'' ^'"'^"' ^P^"^^^ ^^^^oor for her
"Not yet; but you seem to be "
anffl! w"™t-'' '■''' " " ''"PPy- ^-'^h^-J the pen
and flew upstairs, to call herself hnr-A '
industriously spoiled al, A fp, y.r„r':\t
handkerchiefs by marking them " A M, C "• '^"°'^'-
Three days later Mac said "Good.by"i,. earnest-
h.a.„ p, 4ntherir:::Lt~
to L. Uncle Alec deserted most shamefully at the
wen to her, Rose met him in the hall «« if o •
not to delay him SKn ,- ' ^^ anxious
«-..irj::rba;;:-t;-7-
herself would p,a.nly show on what terms she wished
ou 've just
I '11 go at
think, to
li I could
by."
d in her
te offered
c for her
himself,
the
pen,
I, as she
pocket-
earnest ;
vhat ab-
lectures
I* a trip
at the
at the
^as still
lis fare-
mxious
mother
id had
ittered
mshed
BBHmD THE FOUNTAIN. 333
Mao apparently understoo,), and „„t only took th.
hint, but surpassed her in cheo,-f„l „ "
merely savins "Ono^v composure; for,
like it"" ZT' ,, , "^y ""'""' ' *"'« '"ten you fee
"ke It, he shook hands, and walked o„t ,f ,1 T
»s tranquilly as if only a day i„st d If ,, "'"
were to pass before the'y J ZT ^T,, "'"T
sudden shower-bath had ehilledl e,'- . ■■" '^ ^
--....o herself with'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
- —Lr^^^^^^^^^ -40^. 0. Of
" ^°' °°' '' '«"'' g»i«s : that must be love ! "
CHAPTER XIX
BBHINV THE FOUNTAIN.
-pWO days after Christmas, a young man of a .eri
-.- joined in the servie;swi;hp^:::wt:;:;'d::
1 '-'i
334
lUl
BOSB m BLOOM.
tion, especially the m„,ic, to which he listened with
" Fine sermon to-day. Ever heard o„r minister
before, .r?"he began, a, they went down th e
together among the last • fnr ,i.„
sered n« if ^ ■ ' ""^ ^"""S mail had liu-
geied as if admirmg the ancient buildin-r
" Very fine. No, sir, I have never hud that pleasure
1 ve often wis,,ed to see this old place, and am' ZtTt'
^n d,sa„,o,nted. Your choir, too, is unusually gl '
answered the stranger, glancing „p at several bon"!
bobb,„g about behind the half-drawn curtains above
Finest m the c.ty, sir. We pride ourselves on our
music, and always have the best. People often come
for tha alone," and the old gentleman looked as satTs
S ^d c:v'^-\-' "''""•'"° '-^ ^-'""'™ "-««■"
aay did cry m his organ-loft.
tSi:t:a,r''"""^^^-"-'p-"^--<''
" That is Miss Moore. Been here about a year and
.s universally admired. E.«ellent young lady .1X1
hirr;^- ^^-^ -^-^^ ^^ -orL^t::
" Never. She came from X , I believe ? "
"Yes; highly recommended. She was brou<.ht uo
by one o, the first families there. CampbelM the
name If you come from X , y„„ doubt,
theiia.
you doubtless know
a
a]
d
d]
stoned with
»o sat near
fQ stranger
'• minister
1 the aisle
n had liu-
t pleasure,
ina not at
lly good,"
1 bonnets
3 above,
es on our
ten come
as satis-
' continu-
autifully
> read a
ear, and
couldn't
1. Ever
ight up
is the
IS kriow
BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN.
335
"I have met them. Good morninir " An^ vu
bows the gentlemen parted . for a. • ^''^
young man caught sight / IjuT "•''"' *'"
thechurch-steps^vithVdcl't ' ^""^' '^""
eyos,andaprUr-b^H:;~^^^^^^
Hastening after her, the serious-minded vonn.
aec„er,„st as she turned into a ;::^^
--::::^;:s^:::^-
or land," as she turned^ TL^C^^TZ '''
answering word as elo, .ent as his ' '°
"Archie!" '""
" No ; I knew you 'd come."
" ^»d you are glad ? "
" How can I help it ? "
" You can't : don't trv n
and let us talk ^^ aJ^, "^^ '"'" '^'' "«I« Pa^k,
U8 taiK. And, drawing her hand th,.^ u u-
arm, Archie led her into what to otl ^^^ ^''
dismal square with . h T. '^'' ""^^ ^ "^^'7
scious that they were ohiLo /:"'"'' ^«^^^' «ncon-
y were objects of interest to several
:' ^
836
ROSE IN BLOOM.
ladies and gentlemen waiting anxiously for their din-
ner, or yawning over the dull books kept for Sunday
reading.
"Are you ready to como home now, Phebe?" asked
Archie, tenderly, as he looked at the downcast face
beside him, and wondered why all women did not
wear delightful little black velvet bonnets, with one
deep-red flower against their hair.
^ " Not yet. I haven't done enough," began Ph( be,
fin' ng it very hard to keep the resolution made a
year ago.
" You have proved that you can support yourself,
make friends, and earn a name, if you choose. No
one can deny that ; and we are all getting proud of
you. What more can you ask, ray dearest ? "
" I don't quite know, but I am very ambitious. I
want to be famous, to do something 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 longer : I know I haven't earned my welcome
yet," pleaded Phebe, so earnestly that her lover knew
it would be vain to try and turn her ; so wisely con-
tented himself with half, since he could not have the
whole.
" Such a proud woman ! Yet I love you all the
better for it, and understand your feeling. Rose made
me see how it seems to you ; and I don't wonder that
you cannot forget the unkind things that were looked,
if not said, by some of ray amiable aunts. I '11 try to
be patient on one condition, Phebe."
H
i
1 ~.
r their din-
for Sunday
be?" asked
vncast face
m did not
, with one
?an Ph( 'le,
311 made a
t yourself,
loose. No
J proud of
bitious. I
iou all, to
n, to have
e wait and
r welcome
over knew
j^isely con-
t have the
)u all the
lose made
)nder that
re looked,
[ 'II try to
BEIimn THE FOUNTAIN. 337
"And what is that ^»
"Yes Aiv.i,;^ 1 * '"" ^^"^'« It lay hidden.
Its, Aidiie, but not here,— ,,.< now » » • i
Phebe, glancing about her as if u a "''^
they were not l„e. ' '"'^^^"'•^ ''''^'' ^^at
" ^" ^"' ^«" «^"e "« here : I thou. ^ ^' that C
me one happy minute, after this In . i ^^
waiting," ansvvered A nr ^ ^' ^^"^ ^""'' «^
^ountahlhidirtom^^llrS""^'^
only on one side. ^ ' "' '^''' ^^''^ ^^«"«^«
Phube submitted : and nevPi- A\A o 1 •
«HP"- easily to i'ts pIae:T,lt l^h: p^'on"^
S"ch a hurry that cold December dav Th ^ ? '"
went back into the m„fF . ,\'^''^' -^hen one hand
and the other to iso, nl 1 " ^""^^ ^^^ ^^^ '^'
fiding gesture as it h f T '" '^•"^' '''''' ^ '^^-
fe g ^une, as il u had a right there.
No w I feel sure of you " sairl A ... 1 •
on again, a„d no one the wU L "'tr T' ""'
•■.etioa behind the ugly pv.-Im „f , ^ ' "''"'-
wrote me thit vo„ '"""■'^'- "Mac
church peopl C tTT """" """"■^^ ''^ yo"
evident./ ad 1 ", „th "''""'■ "'"'"'^ '"'»''^'°"
them." ^ ^ ^^^^3^ every man of
Phebe smiled with the air of proud h-"-.rv .-
was so beeomino. or, 1 ^ numiaty tiiut
"^coming, and answered briefly, —
22
Tfi
338
ROSE IN BLOOM.
'ir
" 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 as if he
expected to make a great sensation with his news
"I know it." And Phebe laughed at his sudden
Change of countenance, as he added inquirindv —
"She told you, then?"
"Not a word. -I guessed it from her letters : for
lately she says nothing about Mac, and before there
was a good deal; so I suspected what the silence
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 '11 take care of your Phebe,' and not
another thmg could I get out of him ; for I did ask
questions. He stood by me like a Lro, and kept
Aunt Jane from driving me stark mad with her 'ad-
vice^ I don t forget that, and burned to lend him a
hand somewhere; but he begged me to let him man-
age his woomg in his own way. And from what I see
I should say he knew how to do it," added Archie
hndmg,t very delightful to gossip about love affairs'
with his sweetheart.
"Dear little mistress ! how does she behave?" asked
; change me,
should not
; for, as he
about him.
eel as if he
5 news,
his sudden
^gh^ —
etters : for
3fore there
;he silence
re for the
30?"
Take care
i,' and not
/ did ask
and kept
1 her ' ad-
nd him a
lim man-
hat I see
I Archie,
^e affairs
?" asked
i^mimn the /fountain.
839
tried to help her oven V ^'""'-""'^y Ro^e had
Bho is so .cuLL J '"r'^'"P it sometimes;
»o cunning, as yo„ g„.|s g ™^ '
her a letter from Mac sl,» ,.1 { ^ ""'"y
how glad she is that T ! '" '''"'^ ""' '» show
>^-w°a„ abou ; B„ ™i: ""f ' »<' «oll her I
as stupid as an owl bv d , , "' "" "'''"'S''' ""d
'-rLpeace,a::;,^^,?rearor:tu"^-°-''-
passion that I 'm blind to hers." ^ "^ "''"'
" S"t why did Mac come awav 9 it
b.-ought him. and ho goes but r , ""^^ '"''"™'
e'se is in his n,ind, hrt'ols so h "" """'"'"S
don't see him very ofte! h, u ^''^ "' "■»"«■ I
that he isn't the Mao iLf t "''"' ""''•" -"-ous
leading Archie Z^y I L'"" ^^^ " "'' ^'""^''•
bade a longer stay o;eI if „ ?"' '""'"'"'y '"-
not given her a re^d^^ fjr!';-; ^^ <'-y "ad
an;l afternoon church cam' i^a^^:: " ^"^ ^^ -">•
cann^ e„~u"H,:":h*r '•^"""-' ^^ "«
>.ersta„dhim%TanVrs: rt:::- ' ""'''' "»■
his head that no one susne^r , ^ '°'"'' '''™ »
We mates „s all cut X X t^! ^j^^^^^ ^lec.
that the Don will disti^ui^.X; ' '"" "" '**
•non way. So bo prenafed „ , , """" """"'"■
Piepared to .applaud whatever it is.
y^
We owe him
fil
that,
you know."
340
ROUE IN BLOOM.
m
ro«, tell her I sh.,11 see that he comes to no harm and
she must do the same for my Archie "
se.^ed'prb™' ''''"°"^'™'»» "f t-de.-ness from ro-
se ved Phebe very naturally turued the conversation
hnnself to bu.ldmg castles in the air so successfully
reitir:;!'^^ '"^'^^^^' --"-^'^--ithe:
" Will you come in ? " asked Phebe, when the mi,
take was rectified, and she stood on her own sZ
;ore,^a„_ed Archie, makin, his hes^t bow, and :u-:
-^"::::^tdr-r^--
=^rrr;r;rtt-Tuf
ming a verse of old " wvde » Ht^ T !
viol. ^ ^^^^ ^ tuneful bass
Oh, let our mingling voices rise
in grateful rapture to the skies •
Where love has had its birth '
i of him to
harm, and
9SS from re-
onversation
-e devoted
mccessfully
Jiout either
n the mis-
own steps
^reetly re-
five heads
afternoon,
'i early in
precious
1 did be-
and quite
the door
uch love
'Q young
et, hura-
ful bass
BEHINn THE FOUNTAIJS. o.^
I^et songs ofjoy this day declare
Tlutsp.nts come their bliss to share
With all the sons of eartli.'"
ancUhlt?""" ^'^" ^^"'^ ^'^"«- — kably well
and that evenmg quite electrified even her be^tLl!^
by the skill and power with whi.i. t ^""^^
flammatus » in the orlw ^'^ ""'^"^ " ^-
is ? » t!id'' " "'' ^"""' ' ^'"^^^ ^^^^ ^- know what it
the second yo„„g „„„, ^^h the look 7' ."I
tot^.h.ha„<,a.dHvi„,.hatiJoX::. ""'
" The gods go with you, Archie."
And the cousins seDaratP<^ • .^v,^ *
"isht, the other to bi/hr^i";^:,™:, ^i,',.--^-
.nghow unexpectedly and successfullysh; w i\
her welcome home. '*- '*''™
1«
342
ROSE IN BLOOM.
CHAPTER XX.
WHA T MAC DID.
J^OSE meantime, was trying to find out what the
. '^fment was with which she regarded her
consm Mac. She o„ld not seem to refoneile the
character she had known so long with the new one
iateb- shown her; and the idea of loving the dr««
^^ook,sh, absent-minded Mac of former timfs ala d
qn.te .mpossible and absurd : but the now MaTw de
awake f„„ of talent, ardent and high-minded w.; Z eh
a surpnse to her she felt as if her heart was being ZZ
by a stranger, and it became her to study him well
before y.eld.ng to a eharm which she could not deny
srong fo, the boy; regard for the studious youth
e s,ly deepened to respect for the integrity of tt
young man: and now something warmer wasgrown'
whether, tw.asadm.ration for the rapid unfolding of
talei,„ of some sort, or love answering to love
As If to settle that point, Mae sent her on New-
ont,tlea "Songs and Sonnets." After reading ,b,a
with ever-growing surprise and delight, Rose never had
another doubt .about the writer's bei g a poet for
though she was no critic, she b.ad read the be t au;hors'
WHAT MAC DID.
343
' what the
arded her
Jncile the
■ new one
the droll,
appeared
tfac, wide
was such
eing won
him well
3t deny.
lys been
i^ youth
■ of the
growing
t decide
Wing of
n Kew-
icdestly
ng this
*ver had
et; for,
authors
It
and knew what wa« goo,,. Vr^pretcuMng „, u w,,
h« had the tme ring, and its very si„.p,ieity 1, d
conscious power ; for, „„like so ninnv first JT 7
the book was not full of "Mv "'""V '"^'^'"P^'
i»a„,ge in Swinhurnian Iv^LSour ^^ '"' "
"The lilies and languors Of peace,
ll)e roses and raptures of love; "
or contain any of the highly colored medieval word
P otures so much in vogue. "My book should Tell
of pines, and resound with the hum of insects" Xh
t^ed.hitL*::h::vrr:r;r^^^^^^^^^
~y C\.fi:ry~.::r?j^;:«'' »-'^
were full nf fy.o u., / ' "^ *^® sonnets
divine when young" 'genius is
- -n<J a.mu ed inis ; less partial ones could not deny
m
Iff
844
,ii,i
■I:
^j
^0.5^ IN BLOOM.
the,,- prnis. to a fl,-,t effort, wl.ich see,„od ns spontanea
ous and aspiring as a lark's so,,. ; and, when one or two
fonnd himself, not exactly fa,„„„s, but much t»!ked
abont^ One set abused, the other set p,-ai«..l and the
ittle book was sadly mauled amor,,; them : Tor it was
too ong,na! to be ignored, and too robust to he %,lie,]
wor!r; TZ' T" '""'" °"' "' ''» fr^'y »""<" the
which proved the gold genuine.
This took time, bowc-ver, and Rose could only sit
at home ,ead,„g a!l tV, notices she could get, as well
as the bterary g„,sip Phebe sent her : for Mac seldon,
wrote, and never a word about himself; so Phebe skil-
ully extracted from hi,„ i„ their occasional meetings
iind faithfully reported it. .
It was a little singular that without a word of in-
qttiry on either side, the letters of the girls were nrin
cipa^y mied with tidings of their refpective I'vrs"
Particulars about Archie; and both added hasty items
concerning their own affairs, as if these were of little
consequence.
Phebe got the most satisfaction out of the con-e-
spondence; for, soon after the book appeared. Rose
began to want Mac home again, and to be r.-ither
jealous of the new duties and delights that kept him
She was ,mmensely p,-„„d of her poet, and had little
V
WHAT MAC DID. 345
read aloud on tho },^, * ^ ^^ P^^'^® was
the whole family were in » I , """"^ ' ™''
"citement ovo. tZ Z ^1, "^ "' P'^"'™'
b/hia JljiT^'"^' "°^- ^^™«-^'"y considered
the flock "' "" ™«'P™"™g young swnn of
sessions now • thp r.i.1 i i i-reatea his pos-
of reverence : an „f" "T ''"'^'' """ '•' -''
velvet jacket fondirsmoohed T " '"'"" ^""'"'y
to^miieatthe «, JrnaTSe ;! X J ,7 T "^
and caused her onee severe eounfl "■ '''•■"•'•
-nwonted benignity. '=""»'?''"'=<' »» shine with
Uncle Mac talked about " my son " wi.h -n
-tisfaction, and evidently began t„ f e a iTrf '
wasgcng to confer distinctln upor „c\ -^ ""
of Campbell, which h-,.} oi i ^'^c ^hole race
1 , wii.ch h.Kl already possessed one poet.
ilt|
346
I i
ill
I m !
EOSE IN BLOOM.
Steve exulted with
about
in
•epressible delight, and
went
red his
quoting " Songs, mm r>onnet,s," till h<
friends dreadfully by his fi-aternal raptures.
Ai^h.e took it more quietly, and even suggested
that It was too soon to crow yet; for the dear oM fel-
low s first burst might be his last, since.it was impos-
sible to predict what he would do next. Having
proved that he conld write poetry, he might drop it
for some new world to conquer, quoting his favorite
Thoreau, who, having made a perfect pencil, gave up
the busmess, and took to writing books with the sort
of indelible mk which grows clearer with time
The aunts of course had their " views," and enjoyed
much prophetic gossip, as they wagged their caps over
many social cups oftea. The younger boys thought
It very jolly, and hoped the Don would go ahead
and come to glory as soon as possible," which was all
^hat could be expected of " Young America," with
whom poetry is not usually a passion.
Biit Dr. Alec was a sight for « sair een : " so full of
concentrated contentment was he. No one but Rose
perhaps knew how proud and pleased the good man'
telt at this first small success of his godson ; for he
had always had high hopes of the boy, because in spite
of his oddities he had such an upright nature, and
promising little did much, with the quiet persistence
which oretells a manly character. All the romance
of the doctor's heart was stirred by this poetic bud of
promise, and the love that made it bloom so PaWy •
, and went
e bored his
suggested
'ear old fel-
was impos-
t. Having
lit drop it
is favorite
il, gave up
h the sort
ne.
id enjoyed
caps over
^s thought
go ahead
3h was all
ca," with
so full of
)ut Rose,
ood man
I ; for he
3 in spite
ure, and
rsistence
romance
5 bud of
o early ;
WHAT MAC DTD.
347
I
for Mac had eonfi.lcl his hopes to „„ele, finding ^.-oat
Mac to woA, and Rose to wait, till both were quite
ocrta,„ that their love was built on a surer foundatt
than admiration or youthful romance
Meantime he went about with a well-worn little
book m h. pocket, humming bits from a new sToi
songs, and repeating with great fervor certain sonnets
Zste Sr;o7:;r;/^ ^~ ^"'-^
warble " n« ,t "'^'y ""on ■»«' for a private "read and
warble as they called it; and, while discussing the
fe subject of Mac's poetry, both arrived at a pit I
clear idea of whnt Mnn'c ,.^ i pi^iiy
came home. ^*''"' ^"' *" '"'*'"'" he
He seemed in no hurry to do this, however, and
ontmued to astonish his family by going i„to soc ety
1 tlr'"?'"'"'"™^'^ '" '"^' "-• I't^kes very
wh t ir " ' " ''"' ""^ ''"»^™ -"o has seen
what poor specimens arc patted and petted every year
>n .pite of their bad manners, fooLh vagaries and
very feeble roaring. Mac did not w..nt to bf bnized
and took it, rather scornfully, which only added tj
the charm that people suddenly discovered about the
desned to be d.stmguish",] i„ the best sense of the
word, as well as to look .., and thought a lit^e oi the
348
111 ,:!
ROSE m BLOOM.
polish society give
iS \y ^{U
be
of hi« «hon, and .on I: about .:2:iTtXT7 ""
of people with tho.e obsorvin. ey'eB o( T^w\
- n,„oh in spite of thoi.- nea^si^C J:."' ^"^^Z
he ™ea„t to „,a.e of the. n.l experiences ' ^
Wait tili I get throuo-h • fhpn T 'ii « i
talk about it/ " ' " ''^'"^ ^^^"^^ anfl
So evrry one waited for the noef tJii
rhymfng. '' ' simultaneously taken to
noLf titt ::7,:Ttit :" n'--^ -
young people • for Phf^ '"'' ''^""' ""'««
into public av'or with ^" ''"' ""'"^ ^'"8'"S ""-"
^.;.e..elighte/an;LrXrS:-
fo.get the,r home-keeping «o„ds if wo don't remid
them of us now and then?" he said when ■ .
the trip one wild March morning ' " "'"''''''
"No, thank you, sir ; I 'II stay wi;' ,„r e • fh», ;
the plants blooming i„ the study window.
remembering
le came out
fing all sorts
, which saw
'.^hat use
ices no one
questioned,
i home and
something
ion in the
ly taken to
(lenly an-
fter those
tig herself
which she
»uched as
ightening
)nse this
5t thej 11
t remind
proposed
: that is
y among
away at
WHAT MAO DID.
349
There was a slight bitterness in her voio. . ,
clou.lonherface,.vhich her uncle heard "l "
once, half-guessed the meaning of and i ''" "'
till he had found out. ^ ' '""'^^ ""' ''^«^
" Do you think Phebe and Mac wnnl.i .
see von 9 ''»,«. 1 1 ^*iac would not care to
see you ? he asked, putting down a letter in which
Mac gave a glowing account of a concert nt i u
Phebe sur])assed herself. '^ ""'^'^'^
"No, but they must be very busy" bocr.n t?
wishing sh.> had held her tongue ^ ^''''
"Then what is the matter ? " persisted Dr. Alec
»1- exclaimed , ...LX^! """^ "S^"-' >■" -">
"The ti-uti, ,s, I'm jealou, of them both ! "
in.!"::;::" — '^--uheaoeto...
a little girl confessing some misdeed, -
" Uncle, I must tell you • for T 'vn k«
envious, discontented, U' b^ la ^^t d^nC^^^
go^>d to me yet ; for you don't know ho'w liUl e'l de.Lv
-. SeoM me well, and make me see how wicked iT:"
I will as soon as I know what I nn, t. =..,-.i. „, .
I'nburden yourself, chil
and let nu
-see all
your
350
mi
1:
if! I
EOSIi: IN BrooM.
"Hqmty ; for, if you begin by being jealous of Mac and
1 liebe, I 'm prepared for any tliing," 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 do something splendid as well as they
I can t write poetry or sing like a bird ; but I should
think I might have my share of glory in some way I
thought perhaps I could paint, and I Ve tried but I
can only copy ; I Ve no power to invent lovely thincrs
and I 'm so discouraged ; for that is my one accom-
plishment. Do you think I have any gift that could
be cultivated, and do me credit like theirs?" she asked'
so wistfully that her uncle felt for a moment as if he
never could forgive the fairies, who endow babies in
their cradles, for being so niggardly to his girl. But
one look into the sweet, open face before him, re-
mmded him that the good elves had been very gener-
ous, and he answered cheerfully, —
" Yes, I do ; for you have one of the best and no-
blest gifts a woman can possess. Music and poetry
are fine things; and I don't woi^er you want them, or
that you envy the pleasant fame they bring I Ve
felt just so, and been ready to 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 18 very comfortable, but so quiet and uneventful I
get tired of it, and want to launch out as the others
have, and do something, or at least try. I 'm c^Iad you
^
^VlfAT MAC DID. ...
think it isn't verv 1)^«1 r.t
already. & ^^^^ "t'«l>on<]t!nt
"The art of livino- f^v ^ii
sweetly that we e„i„;it . ? '" '""'™">' ""'l
" It i» very kin,] ,.f ^''"■■" W-^^ssing."
"Very natural, dear- \mi tZ /
g'-eeu long „fte,. poetry is fori,: '"'''"'' '' '"'P'
Can't y„,n,e,ievetl,atfa:/:et;Vr"^
-.'iAt:r::;;':;-^---.an.z.o„.t
----..,ii\w„ter:,i.:s-«:-;-
" Sit here, and let us see if „,,, ,,..,„ ,
"Id if no one cares," and ,1, , ^ ''° ^''^ "«'«.
^- went on, tellin'g ff e^e :?' ""' '" "'^ '''-' ^-
of the soft hand he Lid "" '"" °^ ""^ fi"?""
-ep::Snri;i::v\^--^^
-.eto;.jirrir;;:,;t^.^''^''>--
who are helped in v.rln. ^' '^"""' i-elationa
'•-^^ JteT r^'" *^«-^%' one dear
gotten, and a oert.In cousin cheer
fi
th
lioh
by
" "'"'•« '- '""> than the iondcst blast
Ij
ml
352
ROSE IN BLOOM.
m
Fame could blow. Fifthly, several young girls find
her an example of many good works and ways,
feixthly, a motherless baby is cared for as tenderly as
If she was a little sister. Seventhly, half a dozen poor
adies made comfortable; and, lastly, some struggling
boys and girls with artistic longings are put into t
pleasant room furnished with casts, studies, easels, and
all manner of helpful things, not to mention free les-
sons given by this same idle girl, who now sits upon
my knee owning to herself that her gift is worth hav-
ing after all." T
" Indeed, I am ! Uncle, I 'd no idea I had done so
many things to please you, or that any one guessed
how hard I try to fill my place usefully. I Ve learned
to do without gratitude : now I '11 learn not to care
for praise, 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 life like this often makes itself felt in
better ways than one that the world sees and ap-
plauds ; and some of the noblest are never known till
they end, leaving a void in many hearts. Yours may
be one of these if you choose to make it so, and no
~ mTc " ^'''''^^' ""^ '^"' '"'''"'' '^'"^ ^' ""^^'^ '^ b«
The clouds were quite gone now, and Rose was
lookmg straight into her uncle's face with a much hap-
pier expression, when that last word made it color
brightly, and the eyes glance away for a second. Th^n
ag girls find
and ways.
tenderly as
I dozen poor
e struggling
! put into a
, easels, and
on free les-
w^ sits upon
worth hav-
ad done so
ne guessed
Ve learned
lot to care
r best, and
good time,
self felt in
58 and ap-
known till
"^ours may
so, and no
less it be
Rose was
auch hap-
s it color
id. Then
WJfAl^ MAC DID,
353
they came back full of a tender sort of , •
she said, — ^ °^ i-esolution, as
" That will be the reward I work for » . i
' rr^ '' 7 -''' ''-^ -^thieted ..:r ''
L»ut her unc e held Iw... i ^ouiage.
"Shall I tell him that '^''
to he,- wck ,vith tho ^hy ZZvtt:, "''"^ '™^
came to give her fao. ,h , "'■'" '^'"''etimes
He lb such a thorouL'h felloe, i,„
h»ny to g„ f..o,„ one thin.'to I'' "f"' " "■" *
habit, but a trifle trvin„ ,. ■ '*" '^''ellent
-<<.thea„etor,::7s::T;t;rt"'^'"^''
the rug with her do L i. " ' "^^^ '^^ "P^"
tossin.hertiiul ^'i' '"'^P^^^^^ ^^« feelings by
,^ |iei till she crowed with deKo-ht ^
-Kose heartily echoprl th.,f i . " '
"greater „;:;,^:'"« "T^ """""""'^ »* ">«
--ned to iiudso „ eh t r '*° ""' '''^' »'»
«eeo„<l week „f ab» e '" ™™"^ ™^^ "'^' 'he
■■> day for 1^ *;':: "'?^.-'^="-'^ --• before he «et
the aeeouut o ':;" _7'""S '° -'--" the,n with
Jiose felt as if somethi
ing splendid was going to hap.
■^ •— ^
354
ROSE IN BLOOM.
pen, and act h«r affairs in order, .„ that the approach-
'"founT:nt'""" "" ''='• '""^ ■"■«'''"•«"• ^"^"^
iouud out now, was quite sm-e, and put away .11
doubts and fears to be ready to weleouL ho I ft
cousm whoni she was sure uncle would brin. as I r
::n;. "^'^ ^™ """"''« <-■*"-- day, as-sht;
out her paper to write a long letter to poor A^t
Clara, who pined for news far uway there in C let t '
bomethmg ,n the task reminded her of that othe.:
the httle drawer ot keepsakes, she took out the blut
bracelet eeling that she owed Charlie a tender tho.g
crhinf ''"•"^^ ''"''---'--'- «'^--
sle!v!f'r 7™ ''" "■'■"'"' '""'•'•'" ""^-' •>- black
sleeve for u long tune after his death, with the regret-
ul constancy one sometin.es shows in doing fo„t
ntle kmdness all too h.te. But her arn. had grown
irol'; "'^"■■— '- f- fo.-get.„.e.n^s ad
fallen one by one, the clasp had broken; and that
trx td'rirwn'r' ™- "----«^'^
ouigioMu the souveuu- as wiiU •!« tho
sentmient that gave it.
it ^!'1\"T'\ "' " "' '""'"" '■"'■ " '""'"-^"t. then put
t oftly b,«k, and, shutting the drawer, to* up the
'"tie gray book which was her p„de, tliuking as 1
»vua |.„„,,ioii , iViao « la love.
le approach.
'■ !Siie had
>ut away all
e home the
ri»g as her
I as she got
poor Aunt
n Calcutta,
that other
'id opening
it the blue
ler thought
Lte she had
her black
he regret-
oing some
lad grown
e-nots had
and that
3wledging
^11 as the
then put
k up the
ag as she
e on her
weet and
love."
HOW PIIKBE EARNED HFP Wrrr
^^^-A WELCOME. 355
"Rose! Rose."' eqllor? n x. •„
•iiiey liave come' Thn,, i '
"« • i /ley have come .' "
CHAPTER XXI.
A"..t Plenty, l,obbli„g dowuti '•?,', "''' '"' "P™
h^'- face p,„e, and a l4e, Z > . ''' "'" '^^y'
»^ «!.e cried dist,.actedJ?J! '* ^ '"''"^ '" ''^'- '"•'^d,
" ^''' "'y ^'"y '■ my boy ! sick and T
'"- o„i,d,.e„ do . w„, ,,;■; : ';, -y; „ mat can
Rose got be,- into a,e inrln^ • J F
-»t to he,, tha she Xhf'nT ,*"" ^"'^'"^ "-^J
to Rose." ^" ■"■"'''^ "»'' news carefully
" Deak Miss P,,^ntv p.
;« first, and tei,,n, ,::,;- "^'"^
ear doctor
'^ ^'^'7 ill ; but 1
'•^«e read this to your,
nnstress as you think be
St.
am
^vith him, and
ROSE IN BLOOM.
shall not leave him day or night till he is safe. So
trust me, and do not be anxious ; for every thing shall
be done that care and skill and entire devotion can
do. He would not let us tell you before, fearing you
would try to come at the risk of your health. Indeed
it would be useless ; for only one nurse is needed, and
I came first, so do not let Rose or anybody else rob
me of my right to the danger and the duty. Mac has
written to his father ; for Dr. Alec is now too ill to
know what we do, and we both felt that you ought to
be told without further delay. He has a bad malig-
nant fever, caught no one can tell how, unless among
some poor emigrants whom he met wandering about
(juite forlorn in a strange city. He understood Portu-
guese, and sent them to a proper place when they had
told their story. But I fear he has suffered for his
kindness ; for this fever came on rapidly, and before
he knew what it was I was there, and it was too late
to send me away.
- Noio I can show you how grateful I am, and if
need be give my life so gladly for this friend who has
been a father to me. Tell Rose his last conscious
word and thought were for her. ' Don't let her come ;
keep my darling safe.' Oh, do obey him! Stay
safely at home ; and, God helping me, I '11 bring Uncle
Alec back in time. Mac does all I will let him. We
have the best physicians, and every thing is going as
well as can be hoped till the fever turns.
" Dear Miss Plenty, pray for him and for me, that I
is safe. So
'• thing shall
ftvotion can
fearing you
th. Indeed
needed, and
)dy else rob
. Mac has
w too ill to
ou ought to
bad niali^-
less amonfj
Bring about
tood Portu-
m they had
sred for his
and before
'as too late
am, and if
ad who has
t conscious
; her come ;
lini ! Stay
)ring Uncle
; him. We
is going as
• me, that I
Tn'oVfor"^'*^ ''■'"»" ^"■- *--'•'- W done
" '^°'"" ««■■ dutiful and loving
" PlIliBE."
As Rose looked up from the IeH»,. i le
the sudden ne.s and the . t dan ' ?""'" '^
the old lady hid ,],.„,, "«°'' '''" '"'""1 that
-here help was^to ' l,,""""^ '"''" "^-^ -1.
down at he,- k„ee U u " '""" """^ ''"^'t
handsinhe lat aid "^ '"" °" "'^ "^"-P^"
-spoke. t1 :::,::;:;'■;'- ""'"--''"^
^-t Plent, gathered 1 o "^h Tirhf ' ""
savin<T wifi, +T , *^ » ^'*^''<-' in her arms
or;ir:;':;::;:!!"^°'^'"-'-^^^'^"»"downhe;
taket: K,'l'?' ''™' ""• ^"^ ^'""O I-"-" -n't
be anowetTpi ,::,::; z' "r ■'■■■^™ <">"^' -•«
" But T , ; '" *"" ' ^ '■'"'' -^he will "
" You can't go, de-.r it ' ^''™ ""'"'■
right to sav . KeC attV rl "° "'' ""'' ' ""^ ^''^ '^ '
0"e» who 'nurse !r; i "' "'°'° ^''™'--'' «"" ^he
-•^-el.,tohesosen.ihi::a:^^:L«;:[^°-"^^^
Bear. Sir. '« „ „ -, ■ '--•
^ gi'and nnrse; Al
Mac
ii^ too
<ic couldn't have
358
ROSE IN BLOOM.
better, and she '11 never leave him till he 's safe," said
Miss Plenty, excitedly.
" Ah, you begin to knoAv her now, and value her as
you ought, /think few would have done as she has ;
and if ^ she does get ill and die it will be our fault
partly ; because she 'd go through fire and water to
make us do her justice, and receive her as we ought,"
cried Rose, proud of an example which she longed to
follow.
" If she brings my boy home, I '11 never say another
word. She may marry every nephew I 've got, if she
likes, and I '11 give her my blessing," exclaimed Aunt
Plenty, feeling that no price would be too much to pay
for such a deed.
Rose was going to clap her hands, but wrung them
instead ; remembering with a sudden pang that the
battle was not over yet, and it was much too soon to
award the honors.
Before she could speak Uncle Mac and Aunt Jane
hurried in ; for Mac's letter had come with the other,
and dismay fell upon the family at the thought of
danger to the well-beloved' Uncle Alec. His brother
decided to go at once, and Aunt Jane insisted on
accompanying him : though all agreed that nothing
could be done but wait, and leave Phebe at her post
as long as she held out ; since it was too late to save
her from danger now, and Mac reported her quite
equal to the task.
Great was the hurry and confusion till the relief
safe," said
ilue her as
IS she has ;
3 our fault
3 water to
-ve ought,"
longed to
ay another
got, if she
ned Aunt
uch to pay
ung them
I that the
o soon to
Unit Jane
the other,
louglit of
is brother
sisted on
t nothinof
her post
3 to save
lier quite
he relief
^M 4::' tut™:: rir ■•-" " '-'^ "»"
the .pot wI,o,.o ,11 W M ; '"""S '""• "'■■'y '»
M>™.pa,p,u.o„.,et[„riL::i.7rt.^';":
good service for once, and k„nf P ^ '"'
-t direction, and r t I'^^^t.:: ^ f'- '"= ""■
for each attack „.as declar;, at! Z ';"»""'"''
rrrS\r--^-----~^^^^
™a ,>..ref, cMMrrti rn:t:;;;:irr'''"''
Pe..eJ.,o.,™pa.l,,,,,,,;:-l-»/^^^^^
went awa), and young men who relieved th.l.'fn i
by swearing at all emjcrr.nf. • ^'''^' "^'^ *'^^'" feelings
c .111 emigiants in cfencrnl nnrl !> ^
gnese in partifnl-ir if » "ti.u and J:'ortu-
- -ho:n::'i: J :;;:;: ^^^^^^^^^^^^
only bv liis hnnnfo .• ^"^ ^^'"^^ known
ities were brongi.t to ll,.M I T' '"""■^'-'^'1 '•»--
as hidden flowers snrif ', ^''''"'"' "'''«'""'«•
no«us bpnng np when warm rain, fall
If R-nad ever felt that the s,ft of linng for
■"#s „««"■■■
860
ROSE IN BLOOM.
others was a poor one, she saw now how beautiful and
blest it was, — how rich the returns, how wide the influ-
ence, how much more precious the tender tie which
knit so many hearts together, than any breath of fame,
or brilliant talent, that dazzled, but did not win and
warm. In after years she found how true her uncle's
words had been; and, listening to eulogies of great
men, felt less moved and inspired by praises of their
splendid gifts than by the sight of some good man's
patient labor for the poorest of his kind. Her h.roes
ceased to be the wodd's favorites; and became such
as Garrison fighting for his chosen people ; Howe re-
storing lost senses to the deaf, the dumb, and blind ;
Sumner unbribable, when other men were bought and
sold : and many a large-hearted woman working as
quietly as Abby Gibbons, who for thirty years has
made Christmas merry for two hundred little paupers
in a city almshouse, beside saving Magdalens and
teaching convicts.
The lesson came to Rose when she was ready for it,
and showed her what a noble profession philanthropy
is, made her glad of her choice, and helped fit her for
a long life full of the loving labor, and sweet satisfac-
tion unostentatious charity brings to those who ask
no reward, and are content if "only God knows."
Several anxious weeks went by with wearing fluctu-
ations of hope and fear ; for Life and Death fought over
the prize each wanted, and more than once Death
seemed to have won. But Phebe stood at her post,
I
eautiful and
idc the influ-
r tie which
ath of fame,
lot win and
her uncle's
es of great
3es of their
?ood man's
Her heroes
3came such
; Howe re-
and blind ;
nought and
ivorking as
years has
ile paupers
ialens and
iady for it,
ilauthropy
fit her for
it satisfac-
i who ask
ows."
ing fliictu-
)ught over
ice Death
her post,
i
iiiai.D H^l WELCOME. 361
'lofying b„th danger ™d death with fr,„
Jevotion women often show AIM , """''■''«'= "'"'
were in her work • .nd 7 ' ""'' ™'' ""-^S*
^he cried o.n Ci .Te ^i, t:::;^™"" ™" ^°"*--
to-d.ehappea.Ja^r:::„™i:!C'-'^^^"'=
"eve!r^::r^:;::;;^--■-'wi,,
vain. Phebe's ev ' ™ "■"™ °"'"' ''"* ^'••'
h.m alive by the force of her wilf a Id ha , ' T
hours when he seemed to ,™ '"'"'"'"'• <'»"ng the
-■•ong, warm hand ho in ^^T^' J? ^^" "
the swift current tryin,/,o C ' ' '""^ '™ '■™'"
happiest hour of all he':, f ^ " "^"y- ^he
•'-w her, look :" ," ,:;™ f ■■" '" «■"-'■ he .
his hoiW eyes, and^ril^^Jtlifo^rf'"
way,— -y ^" '"« old cheery
"Tell Rose I Ve turned the corner fl.o i
my child." "^'' *"'^nks to you,
into the other roL -^ ' "'■'' "''"-' ^'^'-^ a*av
hut could :,;:r;r7''"sr -"•^ -ho good .j.,
f«'- a full heart in Z «"T" """"' "'"' «»'' -'-
-.s. Mae foUdt. ::;::: ^''^''^v''^^ '-
'— ^-™-dytogobar,„ter;:t,!:r
362
ROSE IN BLOOM,
i !
".<Ioe<l a post of honor, _ wl.ilu ho ran off to sond home
a telegram which n.a.io many hearts sing for joy, a„d
caused Jan, e, in his m.t burst of delight, to 'p.'lpose
to nng all the e,ty bell,, and order ont the cannon.
, Saved : thanks to God and Phebe "
That was all ; but every one was satisfied, and every
one fell a-erying, as if hope needed much salt water
to strengthen it. That was soon over, however, and
then people went .about smiling and saying to one
another, with l,a„d-shakes or embraces, "He Is bettor:
no doubt of ,t now - " A general desire to rush away
and assure then.selves of the truth j.erv.aded the family
for some days ; and nothing but awful threats from
Mac, stern m.andates from the doctor, and entreaties
from Phebe not to „n<i,, b,-.- work, kept Miss Plenty,
Kose, and Aunt Jessir ,;; |,„nie.
As the only w.ay ,„ ,,.hieh they could ease their
nnnds and bear the delay, they t about spring cleau-
.ng, with an energy which scared the spiders, and
drove eh.,r.womc„ distracted. If the old house had
been n,fected with small-pox, it could not have been
more vigorously scrubbed, aired, and refreshed. Early
as ,t was, every carpet was routed up, curtains pulled
down, cushions b.anged, .and glory-holes turned out,
.11 .mt a speck of dust, a last yearVfly, or stray straw
could be found. Then they all s.at down ,,nd rested
« such an immaculate mansion th.at one hardly d.ared
to move for fenr of destroying the shining order
everywhere visible.
It was liite in Aid-il Iw.f .. ^i •
J ijiiai gieat occasion '^n. "^
quarters in spite of e^nr r ^^ '^^'"' ^^'^"^ --^^
must be allowed A, ;f ,i • , ' "^ excitement
Will a,Kl Goordie .ot a lo vo on , "'"^ ' ''"''"^ '
W"'y; Steve wo„W „„ « " '"" "«"" -'PO'--
hnd it been necessary .It/ ,1°""™ "'""""^•
-M™.nl..ane„„s,y;:^;; l^:f' ^'^ ™" A.-cIno
Of oon,.o, the ;,„t; ^0 ' . iif; '?-'y
cautioning everybody 01,0 to ken,. ' '"' ■'"'
Wing e.xoite,lly nt tL lo" Lt ' ''"■'"''■'""' •''" g"""
the de.i,.e to behave welfll , " ''*''™""
•^hont at the top of lis oiTo t ""'""''""^'= *"
™eo .1, ovo,. the ^.<^ Z^Z^T'^^'''^' -"
barn, where he let off ste,„, bv r ' """ "'^
J'-g«- to the great disn.ay o L f, a? ™" "'"'^S
sedate oo,vs, helped hiL to ' et T" '"'^ '«'»
period. set through that trying
«:^:h::r;i!^:!^/''."-''-»'''-"tteredi„
Rose's bosom, as she
everywhere
went about ]nitti
np- a
J very siJent, but
so radiant with
pri ng flowers
happi-
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
1.0
I.I
1^ "1"^
IIH
1^
m
L25 i 1.4
1=
1.6
V]
^m >/
<P
<fW oS.
%
>>
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
^
,\
V
N>
%
.V
M
'^^
6^
o
s> *
V C<'x
/.
"■Hiii-Wiitiriir-MTirTi
864
ROSE IN BLOOM.
ness that the aunts watched lier, saying softly to one
another, « Could an angel look sweeter?"
If angels ever wore pale-green gowns and snowdrops
in their hair, had countenances full of serenest joy,
and large eyes shining with an inward light that made
them very lovely, then Rose did look like one. But
she felt like a woman : and well she might ; for was
not life very rich that day, when uncle, friend, and
lover were coming back to her together? Could she
ask any thing more, except the power to be to all of
them the creature they believed her, and to return the
love they gave her with one as faithful, pure, and
deep?
Among the portraits in tiie ball hung one of Dr.
Alec, taken soon after his return by Charlie, in one of
his brief fits of inspiration. Only a crayon, but won-
derfully life-like and carefully finished, as few of the^
others were. This had been handsomely framed, and
now held the place of honor, garlanded with green
wreaths, while the great Indian jar below blazed with
a pyramid of hot-house flowers sent by Kitty. Rose
was giving these a last touch, with Dulce close by, coo-
ing over a handful of sweet " daffydowndillies," when
the sound of wlieels sent her flying to the door. She
meant to have spoken the first welcome and had the
first embrace; but when she saw the altered face hi
the carriage, the feeble figure being borne up the steps
by all the boys, she stood motionless till Phebe caught
her in her arms, whispering with a laugh and a cry
struggling in her voice, —
softly to one
id snowdrops
serenest joy,
ht that made
:e one. But
?ht ; for was
friend, and
Could she
be to all of
o return the
I, pure, and
one of Dr.
B, in one of
•n, bat won-
' few of the
framed, and
with green
blazed with
itty. Rose
3se by, coo-
lies," when
Joor. She
id had the
'ed face in
p the steps
ebe caught
and a cry
sow PUEBE BARKED HER WELCOME. 365
'^I did it for 3,ou, u.y darling, .,1 for you ! "
O Pliebe, never say again yon owe me any thin,. -
'o=::i^zforr:~^^^^^
;;-«o.eart,i.ot...oo.,,or::;;ret;:t5
~ont;^:i::i;:T:d"-?
of her bandLrohief,- " " *"^ '""'='"'
" Stop ! all stay here, and let me receive Alec R.
— rh..eakstate,andheca,„„nitet:Kafl
" ^es, aunt, certainly," was the n-Pn.,.oi
Myra could nrh '^'"^"°^^"^ ^^'^"^^ even Aunt
i; ^^"'" ^^^ have surpassed.
The tearful jubilee was soon over howevp,. • a
one seemed the worse for if • f 1' ^^^^^^r; and no
h
forward, —
beamed paternally, as h
e drew Phebe
366,
ROSE IN BLOOM.
(I
Aunt Plenty, but for this good daughter I
welcomed.
never
e her
should have com
for my sake."
Then the old lady came out splendidly, and showed
her mettle ; for, turning to Phebe, she bowed her gray
iiead as if samting an equal ; and, offering her hand,
answered with repentance, admiration, and tenderness'
trembling in her voice, —
" I 'm proud to do it for her own sake. I ask pardon
for my silly projudices, and I '11 prove that I 'm sincere
by — where 's that boy ? "
There were six boys present : but the right one was'
in exactly the right j.lace at the right moment ; and,
seizing Archie's hand. Aunt Plenty put Phebe's into it'
tryin^to say something appropriately solemn, but could
not ; so hugged them both, and sobbed out, —
« If I had a dozen nephews, I 'd give them all ^
you, ray dear, and dance at the wedding, though I had
rheumatism in every limb."
That was better than any oration ; for it set them
all to laughing, and Dr. Alec was floated to the sofa
on a gentle wave of merriment. Once there, every one
but Rose and Aunt Plenty was ordei-ed off by Mac,
who was in 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 as possible after the journey; so all
say 'Good-by' now, and call again to-morrow," he said,
watching his uncle anxiously, as he leaned in the sofa'
liter I never
I. Love her
and showed
ied her gray
g her hand,
3 tenderness
^JfOirr AND SWEET.
S67
[ ask pardon
m sincere
jv
jht one was
)ment; and,
?be's into it,
n, but could
5
them all tw
ough I had
it set them
to the sofa
!, every one
ff by Mac,
have sunk
ie must go
ley; so all
S" he said,
n the sofa
corner, «-ith four women takin<r off I,;..
'«ys contending for I™ overshoes 1', i''''' ""•'"
i-g li«.Kl. at short interv.b !^ , a ,™"'"'' ^''^*-
a botMe of strong sa,*: i" • t™V?™ "°'"'"°
..■n.c. here was an opening an;;;;er"'"---^
boy/RosesLX l;;Xh^''"™■'-•
■■e»t ; for as yet they had .'mi *'"'" "''"' ">°
«...-.y,tho„gh^ye,[„;rha;;:tdtet '■ "'^^•"^■^'"
CHAPTER XXII.
SHORT AND SWEET.
T^ the hall she found Steve and KIk 4- ,
^ ma., his iittle sn-eethelrM ' hi It: 't
'cehng that slie Jiad a ri<.I,t ,1, ^^ ™"'''''
Ws spirits durin. the ll ■ "■' ''""» ""'''""•"■■'J
and onrage 1^ ! ' T'"'^' "'"' °™" "--^^-'^
-..-i,ent,ya.ayi?L;i:;r::t^r;::;?;-
•" \MtM .1 !,.v(.rs ni:stinet the
368
ROSE IN BLOOM.
meaning of the quick look she had cast at the hat-rack,
as she shut the study-door behind her.
" Mercy, no ! Archie and Phebe are there, so he 'd
have the sense to pop into the sanctum and wait;
unless you 'd like me to go and bring him out ? "
added Kitty, smoothing Rose's ruffled hair, and set-
tling the flowers on the bosom where Uncle Alec's
head had laid until he fell asleep.
" No, thank you, I '11 go to him when I 've seen my
Phebe. She won't mind lue," answered Rose, moving
on to the parlor.
"Look here," called Steve, "do advise them to
hurry up and all be married at once. We were just
ready when uncle fell ill, and now we can not wait a
day later than the first of .>i.ay.'^
" Rather short notice," laughed Rose, looking back
with the door-knob in her hand.
" We '11 give up all our splendor, and do it as simply
as you like, if you will only come too. Think how
lovely ! three weddings at once ! Do fly round and
settle things : there 's a dear," implored Kitty, whose
imagination was fired with this romantic idea.
"How can I, when I have no bridegroom yet?"
began Rose, with conscious color in her tell-tale
face.
" Sly creature ! you know you 've only got to say a
word and have a famous one. Una and her lion will
be nothing to it," cried Steve, bent on hastening his
^^OUT AND SWEET. 3^9
Mrs. H,„, Wa, JeL Jr ^ /jrr /"'■ -'• ' ^I"- -"
making „p ,„y ,ni„d • so'v/ " ^ear ut least
^'<% - yo„ Hk'e, a„1 1 ,f:;7/ '-" "« - sp,e„.
»"<1 Rose vanished into the p ,W r*' "''''"™"'' ' "
g'-oan over the nervei-sitv „? ' """« ^'^^ '»
Kitty to comfort him bvl '"'*"■""• ''"■»™' ""'I
Mayday" all alone," '^ '""""^'''g «» ™any him on
•'"fat;^r;::\re:7^^^^^
^>nration, and ,ve e now 7 ""™ ""^ Pain of
union which was to la t Z^7 "" "'^^ "' "^ -
R-be sat in an easy, .a, e,'"/"^ ""^"- "-»•
P-Ie and thin and w<;^„ b"t' ','* "■"'" '"'' '=">»'-.
than ever before. I l^J '" ^""'^'^ «^^«
""o'-ing his divinity; fo^ fte?r! "" """ *" '^'^^ '
h^'- feet, he had foLte ', tf !""'"" '^ '<"''«'°°< ^t
«'" Ws elbow on th a ' oT ""T" '^'"" "'--.
water. ^ '""^ draughts of the purest
" Shall T disturb you if T „
«:^.o«.tospoi,tLp;:tt;:;;:r"^''^"-^ed
"■ate me, Zr!::^^:^^-' -S^at-
Arehie, springing «„ t„ „ „ ^'^ »' '^^'••" cried
X -«ea a^ she appeared,
24
to th
<' arms
370
ROSE IN BLOOM.
. " I knew ske would rewunl your patience, and put
away her pride wlien both had been duly tried," said
Rose, laying the tired head on her bosom, with such
tender admiration in her eyes that Phebe had to
shake some I :-ight drops from her own before she
could reply in a tone of grateful humility, that showed
how much her heart was touched,—
" How can I help it, when they all are so kind to
me ? Any pride would melt away under such praise
and thanks and loving wishes as I 've had to-day ; for
every member of the family has taken pains to wel-
come me, to express far too much gratitude, and to
beg me to be one of you. I needed very little urging ;
but, when Archie's father and mother came and calfed
me 'daughter,' I would have promised any thing to
show my love for them."
" And him," added Rose ; but Archie seemed quite
satisfied, and kissed the hand he held as if it had been
that of a beloved princess, while he said Avith all the
pride Phebe seemed to have lost, —
" Think what she gives up for me : fame and fortune
and the admiration of many a better man. You don't
know what a splendid prospect she has of becoming
one of the sweet singers who are loved and honored
everywhere ; and all this she puts away for 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 never shall regret it or think my music
nee, ;iiid put
y tried," said
li, with such
lebe had to
[I before she
that showed
so kind to
such praise
to-day ; for
ains to wel-
ude, and to
ttle urging ;
J and called
ly thing to
emed quite
it had been
rith all the
and fortune
You don't
I becoming
id honored
r my sake,
•eward but
for a great
my music
SHORT AND SWEET. 371
ing sweetest i„ theh- o,vn ,„„i, "'"
Phebo bent to,,™., „i,„ J2 "^ '? '"""'" ™'l
plainly showed bo,v ,vi, i 1 ."e " T""'" T''""
bitious hope, upon the U ^. „, "' "'' "" •-""-
love. " °' " "•"'"•■'n's \y.xm
Both seemsd to forget that they ,vere „nf .,1
anil m a .„o„,ent they ,ve,.n . f„,. \ , """■
carried Rose to the doorif , " '"' "'"P'*'=
-.hwi„d,vhichje„l: ; rrr:'^^"*''^
tl- little Shi,, „l.,o to,vard th 7,1™, IrH "tm '"'
where the others,. ere .felyanel!:;:!^^^
^p5;:::era::'w:::::'r'i™''/''°--^
■•ending this sweet lan,,„a'e o , , "" ''"''"
guessed ,vhy Ch.arlie's U^:! pilr^ ," \1'"^
wh.te roses, why pansies hung about ■ rth':
Cupid's f' Th! h t^f"''' P"^''™-""-- 'ay at
I us leet. Ihe last fancy evidently pleased him-
for he ,vas sn.iling over it, and h„,„„i^,g Th t'sd/
"r Pol !"" r "' """"" "^'""S, the burden ;:• '
an itose so often sung to him, —
" Tn'7 v'f '' ^'" ^' ^''•'"^' ^"^ >•« gang
" Yes, Mac, anywhere I
?>
872
ROSE IN BLOOM.
He had not heard her enter, and wheeling round
looked at her with a radiant face, as he said, drawing
a long breath, —
" At last ! yon were so busy 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 in her eyes, as she answered with a
sweet solemnity, that made him laugh and redden
with the sensitive joy of one to whom praise from
her lips was /ery precious.
" You forget that you are not the Mac who went
away. I should have run to meet my cousin, but I
did not dare to be familiar with the poet whom all
begin to honor."
" You like the mixture then ? You know I said I 'd
try to give you love and poetry together."
"Like it! I'm so glad, so proud, I haven't any
words strong and beautiful enough to half express
my wonder and my admiration. How cotdd you do
it, Mac?" and a ivhole face full of smiles broke loose,
as Rose clapped her hands, looking as if she could
dance with sheer delight at his success.
" It did itself, up there among the hills, and here
with you, or out alone upon the sea. I could write a
heavenly poem this very minute, and put you in as
Spring; you look like her in that green gown with
snowdrops in your bonny hair ? Rose, am I getting on
a little ? Does a hint of fame help rae nearer to the
?eling round
=ii(l, drawing
dear man, I
o it."
tvith a new
ered with a
and redden
sraise from
Q who went
>usin, but I
t whom all
I said I 'd
aven't any
ilf express
Id you do
•oka loose,
she could
, and here
Id write a
you in as
'own with
jetting on
er to the
^llORT AND SWEET. 373
prize I'm working for? U vn,... 1
to be won ? » ^ '" ''"'"'^ "^o'-e willing
He did not stir a stcn bnf ^^ ^1 ^
intense longinc. that Ms '^ '' ^'''' "'^^^ «"^h
&'"o ''"'It Ills nflanco ononin.l 4. 1
nearer like an irresistible ..Zlf, '" "'■'■"^ ''"•
stood before bin,, holding o » bo„ 7 "'"" ■■"""
"ffercd a,, her ,i«,e stor;: r J^^^^^^^^^^^
sincerity,— " ^^'^^ simplest
" It is not worth so much boinfifnl . i
yet ; and .be best are but ,„„r.a' „,;„;,. ZC'^'
It is not admiration, Mac "
P-.»nd.asasi-rn:S:r'-"-
J^o ; It IS not gi-atitude."
I can work and wait s« ,1" ' "« '""' ^"^ »-»■
for I must have all or notbin " " '" "" ""' ^"« '
" Mao ! why will you be° so doubtful? V„„ -^
you 'd make me love v<.,. „ j """trui t rou said
you believe „Jr,r'/"'* ^."I' ^ -^o- "• Will
tion, she threw herself
me now?" And, with
into his arms, cl
a sort of despera-
, flinging there in
374
ROSE IN BLOOM.
eloquent silonc, while ho l,oI<l hor close; feeling, with
H thr.ll of ton.ler triumph, that this was no longer little
Rose, but a loving woman, ready to live an.l die for
him.
"Now I'm satisfied!" he said presently, whc^ she
lifted up her face, full of maidenly shame at the sud-
den passion which had carried her out of herself for a
moment. - No : don't slip away so soon ; let me keep
you for oTie blessed minute, and feel that I have really
found my Psyche." *
"And I my Cujud," answered Kose, laughing i„
spite of her emotion, at the idea of Mac in that sen-
timental character.
He laughed too, as only a hni>py lover could ; then
said, with sudden seriousness, —
"Sweet Soul! lift up your lamp, and look well be-
fore k is too 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 too high for me to follow, because I
have no wings."
"You shall live the poetry, and I will write it; so
my httle gift will celebrate your greater one."
" No : you shall have all the fame, and I '11 be con-
tent to be known only as the poet's wife."
"And I '11 be proud to own that my best inspiration
comes from the beneficent life of a sweet and noble
woman."
" O Mac ! we 'II work together, and try to make the
feeling, with
longer little
and (lie for
y, wlicfn she
at tlie 811(1-
lerself for a
let mc keep
have really
lughing, in
in that sen-
oukl ; then
xiiour AND swiiiiT. 875
"Please God, Ave will i » v.
-^ ^-kins ut ho,. „ 1 „, :/~'' f-ently ,
Rose had b,o„,ut, ' "^ "P™ *" *"« '«"'- """ '-
END.
3k well be-
VQvy fanlty
iar, except
, because I
•ite it ; so
11 be con-
11 spi ration
and noble
make the
Cambri,Igo:Pre88 of John Wilson
&Son.