So Rose went and found the little Chinaman with a funny lantern waiting to help her in and convulse her with laughter trying to express his emotions in pigeon English . The city clocks were striking nine as they got out into the bay , and the island fireworks seemed to be over , for no rocket answered the last Roman candle that shone on the Aunt-hill . `` Ours are done , I see , but they are going up all round the city , and how pretty they are , '' said Rose , folding her mantle about her , and surveying the scene with pensive interest . `` Hope my fellows have not got into trouble up there , '' muttered Uncle Mac , adding with a satisfied chuckle , as a spark shone out , `` No ; there it goes ! Look , Rosy , and see how you like this one ; it was ordered especially in honour of your coming . '' Rose looked with all her eyes , and saw the spark grow into the likeness of a golden vase , then green leaves came out , and then a crimson flower glowing on the darkness with a splendid lustre . `` Is it a rose , uncle ? '' she asked , clasping her hands with delight as she recognised the handsome flower . `` Of course it is ! Look again , and guess what those are , '' answered Uncle Mac , chuckling and enjoying it all like a boy . A wreath of what looked at first like purple brooms appeared below the vase , but Rose guessed what they were meant for , and stood straight up , holding by his shoulder , and crying excitedly , `` Thistles , uncle , Scotch thistles ! There are seven of them one for each boy ! Oh , what a joke ! '' and she laughed so that she plumped into the bottom of the boat and stayed there till the brilliant spectacle was quite gone . `` That was rather a neat thing , I flatter myself , '' said Uncle Mac , in high glee at the success of his illumination . `` Now , shall I leave you on the Island or take you home again , my good little girl ? '' he added , lifting her up with such a tone of approbation in his voice that Rose kissed him on the spot . `` Home , please uncle ; and I thank you very very much for the beautiful firework you got up for me . I 'm so glad I saw it ; and I know I shall dream about it , '' answered Rose steadily , though a wistful glance went toward the Island , now so near that she could smell powder and see shadowy figures flitting about . Home they went ; and Rose fell asleep saying to herself , `` It was harder than I thought , but I 'm glad I did it , and I truly do n't want any reward but Phebe 's pleasure . ''
Chapter 11 -- Poor Mac XXXXX 's sacrifice was a failure in one respect , for , though the elders loved her the better for it , and showed that they did , the boys were not inspired with the sudden respect which she had hoped for .
Aunt-hill English Mac Phebe Roman Rose approbation firework first thistles