`` There ! I 've made you a new set of warm night-gowns with four button-holes in each . See if they are not neatly done , '' said Rose , one day , some weeks after the new lessons began . `` Even to a thread , and nice little bars across the end so I ca n't tear them when I twitch the buttons out . Most superior work , ma'am , and I 'm deeply grateful ; so much so , that I 'll sew on these buttons myself , and save those tired fingers from another prick . '' `` You sew them on ? '' cried Rose , with her eyes wide open in amazement . `` Wait a bit till I get my sewing tackle , and then you shall see what I can do . '' `` Can he , really ? '' asked Rose of Aunt Peace , as Uncle Alec marched off with a comical air of importance . `` Oh , yes , I taught him years ago , before he went to sea ; and I suppose he has had to do things for himself , more or less , ever since ; so he has kept his hand in . '' He evidently had , for he was soon back with a funny little work-bag , out of which he produced a thimble without a top ; and , having threaded his needle , he proceeded to sew on the buttons so handily that Rose was much impressed and amused . `` I wonder if there is anything in the world that you can not do , '' she said , in a tone of respectful admiration . `` There are one or two things that I am not up to yet , '' he answered , with a laugh in the corner of his eye , as he waxed his thread with a flourish . `` I should like to know what ? '' `` Bread and button-holes , ma'am . '' Chapter 17 -- Good Bargains It was a rainy Sunday afternoon , and four boys were trying to spend it quietly in the `` liberry , '' as Jamie called the room devoted to books and boys , at Aunt Jessie 's . Will and Geordie were sprawling on the sofa , deep in the adventures of the scapegraces and ragamuffins whose histories are now the fashion . Archie lounged in the easy chair , surrounded by newspapers ; Charlie stood upon the rug , in an Englishman 's favourite attitude , and , I regret to say , both were smoking cigars . `` It is my opinion that this day will never come to an end , '' said Prince , with a yawn that nearly rent him asunder .
`` Read and improve your mind , my son , '' answered XXXXX , peering solemnly over the paper behind which he had been dozing .
Archie Charlie Jamie Prince Rose afternoon night-gowns scapegraces weeks work-bag