Fortunately , she was very near home , and Dr. Alec dropped in so often that her visit was far less dismal than she expected . Between them , they actually made Aunt Myra laugh heartily more than once ; and Rose did her so much good by letting in the sunshine , singing about the silent house , cooking wholesome messes , and amusing the old lady with funny little lectures on physiology , that she forgot to take her pills and gave up `` Mum 's Elixir , '' because she slept so well , after the long walks and drives she was beguiled into taking , that she needed no narcotic . So the winter flew rapidly away , and it was May before Rose was fairly settled again at home . They called her the `` Monthly Rose , '' because she had spent a month with each of the aunts , and left such pleasant memories of bloom and fragrance behind her , that all wanted the family flower back again . Dr. Alec rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure ; but as the time drew near when his year of experiment ended , he had many a secret fear that Rose might like to make her home for the next twelve month with Aunt Jessie , or even Aunt Clara , for Charlie 's sake . He said nothing , but waited with much anxiety for the day when the matter should be decided ; and while he waited he did his best to finish as far as possible the task he had begun so well . Rose was very happy now , being out nearly all day enjoying the beautiful awakening of the world , for spring came bright and early , as if anxious to do its part . The old horse-chestnuts budded round her windows , green things sprung up like magic in the garden under her hands , hardy flowers bloomed as fast as they could , the birds sang blithely overhead , and every day a chorus of pleasant voices cried , `` Good morning , cousin , is n't it jolly weather ? '' No one remembered the date of the eventful conversation which resulted in the Doctor 's experiment -LRB- no one but himself at least -RRB- ; so when the aunts were invited to tea one Saturday they came quite unsuspiciously , and were all sitting together having a social chat , when Brother Alec entered with two photographs in his hand . `` Do you remember that ? '' he said , showing one to Aunt Clara , who happened to be nearest . `` Yes , indeed ; it is very like her when she came . Quite her sad , unchildlike expression , and thin little face , with the big dark eyes . '' The picture was passed round , and all agreed that `` it was very like Rose a year ago . '' This point being settled , the Doctor showed the second picture , which was received with great approbation , and pronounced a `` charming likeness . '' It certainly was , and a striking contrast to the first one , for it was a blooming , smiling face , full of girlish spirit and health , with no sign of melancholy , though the soft eyes were thoughtful , and the lines about the lips betrayed a sensitive nature . Dr. Alec set both photographs on the chimneypiece , and , falling back a step or two , surveyed them with infinite satisfaction for several minutes , then wheeled round , saying briefly , as he pointed to the two faces , `` Time is up ; how do you think my experiment has succeeded , ladies ? '' `` Bless me , so it is ! '' cried Aunt Plenty , dropping a stitch in her surprise . `` Beautifully , dear , '' answered Aunt Peace , smiling entire approval .
`` She certainly has improved , but appearances are deceitful , and she had no constitution to build upon , '' croaked Aunt XXXXX .
Alec Charlie Clara Doctor Myra approbation first horse-chestnuts minutes year