Phebe sniffed attar of rose , crunched the `` Lump of Delight '' tucked into her mouth , and stared with all her eyes at little Morgiana prancing about the room like a brilliant paroquet . `` My stars , ai n't you splendid ! '' was all she could say , holding up two dusty hands . `` I 've got heaps of lovely things upstairs , and I 'll show them all to you , and I 'd go halves , only auntie thinks they would n't be useful , so I shall give you something else ; and you wo n't mind , will you ? because I want to adopt you as Arabella was in the story . Wo n't that be nice ? '' `` Why , Miss Rose , have you lost your wits ? '' No wonder Phebe asked , for Rose talked very fast , and looked so odd in her new costume , and was so eager she could not stop to explain . Seeing Phebe 's bewilderment , she quieted down and said , with a pretty air of earnestness , `` It is n't fair that I should have so much and you so little , and I want to be as good to you as if you were my sister , for Aunt Peace says we are all sisters really . I thought if I adopted you as much as I can now , it would be nicer . Will you let me , please ? '' To Rose 's great surprise , Phebe sat down on the floor and hid her face in her apron for a minute without answering a word . `` Oh , dear , now she 's offended , and I do n't know what to do , '' thought Rose , much discouraged by this reception of her offer . `` Please , forgive me ; I did n't mean to hurt your feelings , and hope you wo n't think -- '' she faltered presently , feeling that she must undo the mischief , if possible . But Phebe gave her another surprise , by dropping the apron and showing a face all smiles , in spite of tears in the eyes , as she put both arms round Rose and said , with a laugh and sob , `` I think you are the dearest girl in the world , and I 'll let you do anything you like with me . '' `` Then you do like the plan ? You did n't cry because I seemed to be kind of patronising ? I truly did n't mean to be , '' cried Rose , delighted . `` I guess I do like it ! and cried because no one was ever so good to me before , and I could n't help it .
As for XXXXX , you may walk on me if you want to , and I wo n't mind , '' said Phebe , in a burst of gratitude , for the words , `` we are sisters '' went straight to her lonely heart and nestled there .
Arabella Morgiana Phebe Rose attar costume minute paroquet patronising story