She had secretly regretted that he was not to be her guardian ; but since she had seen Uncle Alec she felt better about it , for she did not particularly admire Aunt Jane . When church was over , Dr. Alec got into the porch as quickly as possible , and there the young bears had a hug all round , while the sisters shook hands and welcomed him with bright faces and glad hearts . Rose was nearly crushed flat behind a door in that dangerous passage from pew to porch ; but Uncle Mac rescued her , and put her into the carriage for safe keeping . `` Now , girls , I want you to come and dine with Alec ; Mac also , of course . But I can not ask the boys , for we did not expect this dear fellow till tomorrow , you know , so I made no preparations . Send the lads home , and let them wait till Monday , for really I was shocked at their behaviour in church , '' said Aunt Plenty , as she followed Rose . In any other place the defrauded boys would have set up a howl ; as it was , they growled and protested till Dr. Alec settled the matter by saying , `` Never mind , old chaps , I 'll make it up to you to-morrow , if you sheer off quietly ; if you do n't , not a blessed thing shall you have out of my big boxes . '' Chapter 4 -- Aunts All dinner-time Rose felt that she was going to be talked about , and afterward she was sure of it , for Aunt Plenty whispered to her as they went into the parlour , `` Run up and sit awhile with Sister Peace , my dear . She likes to have you read while she rests , and we are going to be busy . '' Rose obeyed , and the quiet rooms above were so like a church that she soon composed her ruffled feelings , and was unconsciously a little minister of happiness to the sweet old lady , who for years had sat there patiently waiting to be set free from pain . Rose knew the sad romance of her life , and it gave a certain tender charm to this great-aunt of hers , whom she already loved . When Peace was twenty , she was about to be married ; all was done , the wedding dress lay ready , the flowers were waiting to be put on , the happy hour at hand , when word came that the lover was dead . They thought that gentle Peace would die , too ; but she bore it bravely , put away her bridal gear , took up her life afresh , and lived on a beautiful , meek woman , with hair as white as snow and cheeks that never bloomed again . She wore no black , but soft , pale colours , as if always ready for the marriage that had never come . For thirty years she had lived on , fading slowly , but cheerful , busy , and full of interest in all that went on in the family ; especially the joys and sorrows of the young girls growing up about her , and to them she was adviser , confidante , and friend in all their tender trials and delights . A truly beautiful old maiden , with her silvery hair , tranquil face , and an atmosphere of repose about her that soothed whoever came to her ! Aunt Plenty was utterly dissimilar , being a stout , brisk old lady , with a sharp eye , a lively tongue , and a face like a winter-apple . Always trotting , chatting , and bustling , she was a regular Martha , cumbered with the cares of this world and quite happy in them . Rose was right ; and while she softly read psalms to Aunt Peace , the other ladies were talking about her little self in the frankest manner . `` Well , Alec , how do you like your ward ? ''
began Aunt Jane , as they all settled down , and Uncle XXXXX deposited himself in a corner to finish his doze .
Mac Martha Peace Rose colours great-aunt parlour right winter-apple years