`` O uncle , please stop the pain , and let me rest a minute ! Do n't tell the boys I was n't brave . I try to bear it , but it 's so sharp I ca n't help crying . '' Neither could Charlie , when he heard the broken voice say that ; but , boy-like , he would n't own it , and said pettishly , as he rubbed his sleeve across his eyes , `` Do n't hold that confounded thing right under my nose ; the mustard makes my eyes smart . '' `` Do n't see how it can , when it has n't any more strength in it than meal . The Doctor said so , and I 'm going to get some better , '' began Phebe , not a bit ashamed of the great tears that were bedewing the condemned plaster . `` I 'll go ! '' and Charlie was off like a shot , glad of an excuse to get out of sight for a few minutes . When he came back all inconvenient emotion had been disposed of , and , having delivered a box of the hottest mustard procurable for money , he departed to `` blow up '' Mac , that being his next duty in his opinion . He did it so energetically and thoroughly that the poor Worm was cast into the depths of remorseful despair , and went to bed that evening feeling that he was an outcast from among men , and bore the mark of Cain upon his brow . Thanks to the skill of the Doctor , and the devotion of his helpers , Rose grew easier about midnight , and all hoped that the worst was over . Phebe was making tea by the study fire , for the Doctor had forgotten to eat and drink since Rose was ill , and Aunt Plenty insisted on his having a `` good cordial dish of tea '' after his exertions . A tap on the window startled Phebe , and , looking up , she saw a face peering in . She was not afraid , for a second look showed her that it was neither ghost nor burglar , but Mac , looking pale and wild in the wintry moonlight . `` Come and let a fellow in , '' he said in a low tone , and when he stood in the hall he clutched Phebe 's arm , whispering gruffly , `` How is Rose ? '' `` Thanks be to goodness , she 's better , '' answered Phebe , with a smile that was like broad sunshine to the poor lad 's anxious heart . `` And she will be all right again to-morrow ? '' `` Oh , dear no ! Dolly says she 's sure to have rheumatic fever , if she do n't have noo-monia ! '' answered Phebe , careful to pronounce the word rightly this time .
Down went XXXXX 's face , and remorse began to gnaw at him again as he gave a great sigh and said doubtfully , `` I suppose I could n't see her ? ''
Charlie Doctor Dolly Mac Phebe fire midnight minute right second