I do n't mind that a bit , for I like to mess , and used to try at home ; but I had no one to tell me , so I never did much but spoil my aprons . Pies are great fun , only Dolly is so cross , I do n't believe she will ever let me do a thing in the kitchen . '' `` Then we 'll cook in the parlour . I fancy Aunt Plenty will manage her , so do n't be troubled . Only mind this , I 'd rather you learned how to make good bread than the best pies ever baked . When you bring me a handsome , wholesome loaf , entirely made by yourself , I shall be more pleased than if you offered me a pair of slippers embroidered in the very latest style . I do n't wish to bribe you , but I 'll give you my heartiest kiss , and promise to eat every crumb of the loaf myself . '' `` It 's a bargain ! it 's a bargain ! Come and tell aunty all about it , for I 'm in a hurry to begin , '' cried Rose , dancing before him toward the parlor , where Miss Plenty sat alone knitting contentedly , yet ready to run at the first call for help of any sort , from any quarter . No need to tell how surprised and gratified she was at the invitation she received to teach the child the domestic arts which were her only accomplishments , nor to relate how energetically she set about her pleasant task . Dolly dared not grumble , for Miss Plenty was the one person whom she obeyed , and Phebe openly rejoiced , for these new lessons brought Rose nearer to her , and glorified the kitchen in the good girl 's eyes . To tell the truth , the elder aunts had sometimes felt that they did not have quite their share of the little niece who had won their hearts long ago , and was the sunshine of the house . They talked it over together sometimes , but always ended by saying that as Alec had all the responsibility , he should have the larger share of the dear girl 's love and time , and they would be contented with such crumbs of comfort as they could get . Dr. Alec had found out this little secret , and , after reproaching himself for being blind and selfish , was trying to devise some way of mending matters without troubling anyone , when Rose 's new whim suggested an excellent method of weaning her a little from himself . He did not know how fond he was of her till he gave her up to the new teacher , and often could not resist peeping in at the door to see how she got on , or stealing sly looks through the slide when she was deep in dough , or listening intently to some impressive lecture from Aunt Plenty . They caught him at it now and then , and ordered him off the premises at the point of the rolling-pin ; or , if unusually successful , and , therefore , in a milder mood , they lured him away with bribes of ginger-bread , a stray pickle , or a tart that was not quite symmetrical enough to suit their critical eyes . Of course he made a point of partaking copiously of all the delectable messes that now appeared at table , for both the cooks were on their mettle , and he fared sumptuously every day . But an especial relish was given to any dish when , in reply to his honest praise of it , Rose coloured up with innocent pride , and said modestly , `` I made that , uncle , and I 'm glad you like it . '' It was some time before the perfect loaf appeared , for bread-making is an art not easily learned , and Aunt Plenty was very thorough in her teaching ; so Rose studied yeast first , and through various stages of cake and biscuit came at last to the crowning glory of the `` handsome , wholesome loaf . ''
It appeared at tea-time , on a silver salver , proudly borne in by Phebe , who could not refrain from whispering , with a beaming face , as she set it down before Dr. XXXXX , `` Ai n't it just lovely , sir ? ''
Alec Dolly aunty bread-making crumbs day first parlour rolling-pin stealing