`` Not if you keep taking long breaths to hold it on . That is what I want you to do , and when you have filled this out we will go on enlarging it till your waist is more like that of Hebe , goddess of health , and less like that of a fashion-plate the ugliest thing imaginable . '' `` How it does look ! '' and Rose gave a glance of scorn at the loose belt hanging round her trim little waist . `` It will be lost , and then I shall feel badly , for it cost ever so much , and is real steel and Russia leather . Just smell how nice . '' `` If it is lost I 'll give you a better one . A soft silken sash is much fitter for a pretty child like you than a plated harness like this ; and I 've got no end of Italian scarfs and Turkish sashes among my traps . Ah ! that makes you feel better , does n't it ? '' and he pinched the cheek that had suddenly dimpled with a smile . `` It is very silly of me , but I ca n't help liking to know that '' here she stopped and blushed and held down her head , ashamed to add , `` you think I am pretty . '' Dr. Alec 's eyed twinkled , but he said very soberly , `` Rose , are you vain ? '' `` I 'm afraid I am , '' answered a very meek voice from behind the veil of hair that hid the red face . `` That is a sad fault . '' And he sighed as if grieved at the confession . `` I know it is , and I try not to be ; but people praise me , and I ca n't help liking it , for I really do n't think I am repulsive . '' The last word and the funny tone in which it was uttered were too much for Dr. Alec , and he laughed in spite of himself , to Rose 's great relief . `` I quite agree with you ; and in order that you may be still less repulsive , I want you to grow as fine a girl as Phebe . '' `` Phebe ! ''
and XXXXX looked so amazed that her uncle nearly went off again .
Alec Dr. Hebe Phebe Rose Russia belt glance sashes scarfs