`` Just before you came . At least I thought it was a circus , for I saw a red and black sort of cart and ever so many little ponies , and -- '' She got no farther , for a general shout made her pause suddenly , as Archie explained the joke by saying in the middle of his laugh , `` It was our new dog-cart and the Shetland ponies . You 'll never hear the last of your circus , cousin . '' `` But there were so many , and they went so fast , and the cart was so very red , '' began Rose , trying to explain her mistake . `` Come and see them all ! '' cried the Prince . And before she knew what was happening , she was borne away to the barn and tumultuously introduced to three shaggy ponies and the gay new dog-cart . She had never visited these regions before , and had her doubts as to the propriety of her being there now , but when she suggested that `` Auntie might not like it , '' there was a general cry of , `` She told us to amuse you , and we can do it ever so much better out here than poking round in the house . '' `` I 'm afraid I shall get cold without my sacque , '' began Rose , who wanted to stay , but felt rather out of her element . `` No , you wo n't ! We 'll fix you , '' cried the lads , as one clapped his cap on her head , another tied a rough jacket round her neck by the sleeves , a third neatly smothered her in a carriage blanket , and a fourth threw open the door of the old barouche that stood there , saying with a flourish , `` Step in , ma'am , and make yourself comfortable while we show you some fun . '' So Rose sat in state enjoying herself very much , for the lads proceeded to dance a Highland Fling with a spirit and skill that made her clap her hands and laugh as she had not done for weeks . `` How is that , my lassie ? '' asked the Prince , coming up all flushed and breathless when the ballet was over . `` It was splendid ! I never went to the theatre but once , and the dancing was not half so pretty as this . What clever boys you must be ! '' said Rose , smiling upon her kinsmen like a little queen upon her subjects . `` Ah , we 're a fine lot , and that is only the beginning of our larks . We have n't got the pipes here or we 'd , ` Sing for you , play for you A dulcy melody , ' '' answered Charlie , looking much elated at her praise .
`` I did not know we were Scotch ; papa never said anything about it , or seemed to care about Scotland , except to have me sing the old ballads , '' said XXXXX , beginning to feel as if she had left America behind her somewhere .
Archie Charlie Prince Rose Shetland barouche kinsmen lassie sacque third