But pray be careful of her , Alec , and not allow her to overwork , '' she whispered as she went out . `` That 's exactly what I 'm trying to do , ma'am , and rather a hard job I find it , '' he added , as he shut the door , for the dear aunts were dreadfully in his way sometimes . Half an hour later came another interruption in the shape of Mac , who announced his arrival by the brief but elegant remark , `` Hullo ! what new game is this ? '' Rose explained , Mac gave a long whistle of surprise , and then took a promenade round the skeleton , observing gravely , `` Brother Bones looks very jolly , but I ca n't say much for his beauty . '' `` You must n't make fun of him , for he 's a good old fellow , and you 'd be just as ugly if your flesh was off , '' said Rose , defending her new friend with warmth . `` I dare say , so I 'll keep my flesh on , thank you . You are so busy you ca n't read to a fellow , I suppose ? '' asked Mac , whose eyes were better , but still too weak for books . `` Do n't you want to come and join my class ? Uncle explains it all to us , and you can take a look at the plates as they come along . We 'll give up bones today and have eyes instead ; that will be more interesting to you , '' added Rose , seeing no ardent thirst for physiological information in his face . `` Rose , we must not fly about from one thing to another in this way , '' began Dr. Alec , but she whispered quickly , with a nod towards Mac , whose goggles were turned wistfully in the direction of the forbidden books , `` He 's blue to-day , and we must amuse him ; give a little lecture on eyes , and it will do him good . No matter about me , uncle . '' `` Very well ; the class will please be seated , '' and the Doctor gave a sounding rap on the table . `` Come , sit by me , dear , then we can both see the pictures ; and if your head gets tired you can lie down , '' said Rose , generously opening her little college to a brother , and kindly providing for the weaknesses that all humanity is subject to . Side by side they sat and listened to a very simple explanation of the mechanism of the eye , finding it as wonderful as a fairy tale , for fine plates illustrated it , and a very willing teacher did his best to make the lesson pleasant . `` Jove ! if I 'd known what mischief I was doing to that mighty delicate machine of mine , you would n't have caught me reading by firelight , or studying with a glare of sunshine on my book , '' said Mac , peering solemnly at a magnified eye-ball ; then , pushing it away , he added indignantly , `` Why is n't a fellow taught all about his works , and how to manage 'em , and not left to go blundering into all sorts of worries ? Telling him after he 's down is n't much use , for then he 's found it out himself and wo n't thank you . ''
`` Ah , XXXXX , that 's just what I keep lecturing about , and people wo n't listen .
Alec Brother Doctor Hullo Jove Mac Rose eye-ball left overwork