`` Now we must hurry and get dressed , for there is a deal to do to-day , and I want to get through in time to try my sled before dinner . '' `` Gracious me , and I ought to be dusting my parlors this blessed minute ! '' and mistress and maid separated with such happy faces that anyone would have known what day it was without being told . `` Birnam Wood has come to Dunsinane , Rosy , '' said Dr. Alec , as he left the breakfast table to open the door for a procession of holly , hemlock , and cedar boughs that came marching up the steps . Snowballs and `` Merry Christmases ! '' flew about pretty briskly for several minutes ; then all fell to work trimming the old house , for the family always dined together there on that day . `` I rode miles and mileses , as Ben says , to get this fine bit , and I 'm going to hang it there as the last touch to the rig-a-madooning , '' said Charlie , as he fastened a dull green branch to the chandelier in the front parlor . `` It is n't very pretty , '' said Rose , who was trimming the chimney-piece with glossy holly sprays . `` Never mind that , it 's mistletoe , and anyone who stands under it will get kissed whether they like it or not . Now 's your time , ladies , '' answered the saucy Prince , keeping his place and looking sentimentally at the girls , who retired precipitately from the dangerous spot . `` You wo n't catch me , '' said Rose , with great dignity . `` See if I do n't ! '' `` I 've got my eye on Phebe , '' observed Will , in a patronising tone that made them all laugh . `` Bless the dear ; I sha n't mind it a bit , '' answered Phebe , with such a maternal air that Will 's budding gallantry was chilled to death . `` Oh , the mistletoe bough , '' sang Rose . `` Oh , the mistletoe bough ! '' echoed all the boys , and the teasing ended in the plaintive ballad they all liked so well . There was plenty of time to try the new skates before dinner , and then Rose took her first lesson on the little bay , which seemed to have frozen over for that express purpose . She found tumbling down and getting up again warm work for a time , but with six boys to teach her , she managed at last to stand alone ; and , satisfied with that success , she refreshed herself with a dozen grand coasts on the Amazon , as her sled was called . `` Ah , that fatal colour !
it breaks my heart to see it , '' croaked Aunt Myra , as Rose came down a little late , with cheeks almost as ruddy as the holly berries on the wall , and every curl as smooth as XXXXX 's careful hands could make it .
Alec Ben Phebe Prince Wood day minutes patronising rig-a-madooning sled