`` What a grand place for my new things , '' she thought , wondering what her uncle kept in that cedar retreat . `` Oh me , what a sweet toilet table ! '' was her next mental exclamation , as she approached this inviting spot . A round old-fashioned mirror hung over it , with a gilt eagle a-top , holding in his beak the knot of blue ribbon that tied up a curtain of muslin falling on either side of the table , where appeared little ivory-handled brushes , two slender silver candle-sticks , a porcelain match-box , several pretty trays for small matters , and , most imposing of all , a plump blue silk cushion , coquettishly trimmed with lace , and pink rose-buds at the corners . That cushion rather astonished Rose ; in fact , the whole table did , and she was just thinking , with a sly smile , `` Uncle is a dandy , but I never should have guessed it , '' when he opened the door of a large closet , saying , with a careless wave of the hand , `` Men like plenty of room for their rattle-traps ; do n't you think that ought to satisfy me ? '' Rose peeped in and gave a start , though all she saw was what one usually finds in closets clothes and boots , boxes and bags . Ah ! but you see these clothes were small black and white frocks ; the row of little boots that stood below had never been on Dr. Alec 's feet ; the green bandbox had a gray veil straying out of it , and yes ! the bag hanging on the door was certainly her own piece-bag , with a hole in one corner . She gave a quick look round the room and understood now why it had seemed too dainty for a man , why her Testament and Prayer Book were on the table by the bed , and what those rose-buds meant on the blue cushion . It came upon her in one delicious burst that this little paradise was all for her , and , not knowing how else to express her gratitude , she caught Dr. Alec round the neck , saying impetuously , `` O uncle , you are too good to me ! I 'll do anything you ask me ; ride wild horses and take freezing baths and eat bad-tasting messes , and let my clothes hang on me , to show how much I thank you for this dear , sweet , lovely room ! '' `` You like it , then ? But why do you think it is yours , my lass ? '' asked Dr. Alec , as he sat down looking well pleased , and drew his excited little niece to his knee . `` I do n't think , I know it is for me ; I see it in your face , and I feel as if I did n't half deserve it . Aunt Jessie said you would spoil me , and I must not let you . I 'm afraid this looks like it , and perhaps oh me ! perhaps I ought not to have this beautiful room after all ! '' and Rose tried to look as if she could be heroic enough to give it up if it was best .
`` I owe Mrs. Jessie one for that , '' said Dr. XXXXX , trying to frown , though in his secret soul he felt that she was quite right .
Alec a-top bandbox beak frocks match-box muslin piece-bag rattle-traps rose-buds