Of course the lads found out what was going on , and chaffed the girls about the `` Seminary , '' as they called the new enterprise ; but they thought it a good thing on the whole , kindly offered to give lessons in Greek and Latin gratis , and decided among themselves that `` Rose was a little trump to give the Phebe-bird such a capital boost . '' Rose herself had some doubts as to how it would strike her uncle , and concocted a wheedlesome speech which should at once convince him that it was the most useful , wholesome , and delightful plan ever devised . But she got no chance to deliver her address , for Dr. Alec came upon her so unexpectedly that it went out of her head entirely . She was sitting on the floor in the library , poring over a big book laid open in her lap , and knew nothing of the long-desired arrival till two large , warm hands met under her chin and gently turned her head back , so that someone could kiss her heartily on either cheek , while a fatherly voice said , half reproachfully , `` Why is my girl brooding over a dusty Encyclopedia when she ought to be running to meet the old gentleman who could n't get on another minute without her ? '' `` O uncle ! I 'm so glad ! and so sorry ! Why did n't you let us know what time you 'd be here , or call out the minute you came ? Have n't I been home-sick for you ? and now I 'm so happy to have you back I could hug your dear old curly head off , '' cried Rose , as the Encyclopedia went down with a bang , and she up with a spring that carried her into Dr. Alec 's arms , to be kept there in the sort of embrace a man gives to the dearest creature the world holds for him . Presently he was in his easy chair with Rose upon his knee smiling up in his face and talking as fast as her tongue could go , while he watched her with an expression of supreme content , as he stroked the smooth round cheek , or held the little hand in his , rejoicing to see how rosy was the one , how plump and strong the other . `` Have you had a good time ? Did you save the poor lady ? Are n't you glad to be home again with your girl to torment you ? '' `` Yes , to all those questions . Now tell me what you 've been at , little sinner ? Aunty Plen says you want to consult me about some new and remarkable project which you have dared to start in my absence . '' `` She did n't tell you , I hope ? '' `` Not a word more expect that you were rather doubtful how I 'd take it , and so wanted to ` fess ' yourself and get round me as you always try to do , though you do n't often succeed . Now , then , own up and take the consequences . ''
So XXXXX told about her school in her pretty , earnest way , dwelling on Phebe 's hunger for knowledge , and the delight it was to help her , adding , with a wise nod , `` And it helps me too , uncle , for she is so quick and eager I have to do my best or she will get ahead of me in some things .
Alec Encyclopedia Greek Phebe-bird Plen Rose address home-sick minute sort