`` Charlie said it was all my fault , and if she died I 'd killed her . I could n't sleep , so I came to see how she was , and no one knows it but Steve , '' he said with such a troubled face and voice that the Doctor had not the heart to blame him . Before he could say anything more a feeble voice called `` Mac ! '' and with a hasty `` Stay a minute just to please her , and then slip away , for I want her to sleep , '' the Doctor led him into the room . The face on the pillow looked very pale and childish , and the smile that welcomed Mac was very faint , for Rose was spent with pain , yet could not rest till she had said a word of comfort to her cousin . `` I knew your funny sneeze , and I guessed that you came to see how I did , though it is very late . Do n't be worried , I 'm better now , and it is my fault I was ill , not yours ; for I need n't have been so silly as to wait in the cold just because I said I would . '' Mac hastened to explain , to load himself with reproaches , and to beg her not to die on any account , for Charlie 's lecture had made a deep impression on the poor boy 's mind . `` I did n't know there was any danger of my dying , '' and Rose looked up at him with a solemn expression in her great eyes . `` Oh , I hope not ; but people do sometimes go suddenly , you know , and I could n't rest till I 'd asked you to forgive me , '' faltered Mac , thinking that Rose looked very like an angel already , with the golden hair loose on the pillow , and the meekness of suffering on her little white face . `` I do n't think I shall die ; uncle wo n't let me ; but if I do , remember I forgave you . '' She looked at him with a tender light in her eyes , and , seeing how pathetic his dumb grief was , she added softly , drawing his head down , `` I would n't kiss you under the mistletoe , but I will now , for I want you to be sure I do forgive and love you just the same . '' That quite upset poor Mac ; he could only murmur his thanks and get out of the room as fast as possible , to grope his way to the couch at the far end of the hall , and lie there till he fell asleep , worn out with trying not to `` make a baby '' of himself . Chapter 22 -- Something to do Whatever danger there might have been from the effects of that sudden chill , it was soon over , though , of course , Aunt Myra refused to believe it , and Dr. Alec cherished his girl with redoubled vigilance and tenderness for months afterward . Rose quite enjoyed being sick , because as soon as the pain ended the fun began , and for a week or two she led the life of a little princess secluded in the Bower , while every one served , amused , and watched over her in the most delightful manner . But the doctor was called away to see an old friend , who was dangerously ill , and then Rose felt like a young bird deprived of its mother 's sheltering wing ; especially on one afternoon when the aunts were taking their naps , and the house was very still within while snow fell softly without . `` I 'll go and hunt up Phebe , she is always nice and busy , and likes to have me help her . If Dolly is out of the way we can make caramels and surprise the boys when they come , '' Rose said to herself , as she threw down her book and felt ready for society of some sort . She took the precaution to peep through the slide before she entered the kitchen , for Dolly allowed no messing when she was round . But the coast was clear , and no one but Phebe appeared , sitting at the table with her head on her arms apparently asleep .
XXXXX was just about to wake her with a `` Boo ! ''
Alec Bower Charlie Dolly Mac Rose Steve afternoon caramels meekness