And Uncle Alec gave an approving nod , that made Rose wish she had been the one to earn it . `` But what are these troubles of yours , child ? '' he asked , after a minute of silence . `` Please do n't ask me , uncle . '' `` Ca n't you tell them to me as well as to Phebe ? '' Something in his tone made Rose feel that it would be better to speak out and be done with it , so she answered , with sudden colour and averted eyes , `` The greatest one was losing dear papa . '' As she said that , Uncle Alec 's arm came gently round her , and he drew her to him , saying , in the voice so like papa 's , `` That is a trouble which I can not cure , my child ; but I shall try to make you feel it less . What else , dear ? '' `` I am so tired and poorly all the time , I ca n't do anything I want to , and it makes me cross , '' sighed Rose , rubbing the aching head like a fretful child . `` That we can cure and we will , '' said her uncle , with a decided nod that made the curls bob on his head , to that Rose saw the gray ones underneath the brown . `` Aunt Myra says I have no constitution , and never shall be strong , '' observed Rose , in a pensive tone , as if it was rather a nice thing to be an invalid . `` Aunt Myra is a ahem ! an excellent woman , but it is her hobby to believe that everyone is tottering on the brink of the grave ; and , upon my life , I believe she is offended if people do n't fall into it ! We will show her how to make constitutions and turn pale-faced little ghosts into rosy , hearty girls . That 's my business , you know , '' he added , more quietly , for his sudden outburst had rather startled Rose . `` I had forgotten you were a doctor . I 'm glad of it , for I do want to be well , only I hope you wo n't give me much medicine , for I 've taken quarts already , and it does me no good . '' As she spoke , Rose pointed to a little table just inside the window , on which appeared a regiment of bottles . `` Ah , ha ! Now we 'll see what mischief these blessed women have been at . ''
And , making a long arm , Dr. XXXXX set the bottles on the wide railing before him , examined each carefully , smiled over some , frowned over others , and said , as he put down the last : `` Now I 'll show you the best way to take these messes . ''
Alec Myra Phebe Rose colour constitution doctor fall minute tone