And carefully wiping off the brick-dust , Phebe pressed the little hand Rose offered warmly in both her hard ones , while the black eyes followed the departing visitor with a grateful look that made them very soft and bright . Chapter 6 -- Uncle Alec 's Room Soon after dinner , and before she had got acquainted with half her new possessions , Dr. Alec proposed a drive , to carry round the first instalment of gifts to the aunts and cousins . Rose was quite ready to go , being anxious to try a certain soft burnous from the box , which not only possessed a most engaging little hood , but had funny tassels bobbing in all directions . The big carriage was full of parcels , and even Ben 's seat was loaded with Indian war clubs , a Chinese kite of immense size , and a pair of polished ox-horns from Africa . Uncle Alec , very blue as to his clothes , and very brown as to his face , sat bolt upright , surveying well known places with interest , while Rose , feeling unusually elegant and comfortable , leaned back folded in her soft mantle , and played she was an Eastern princess making a royal progress among her subjects . At three of the places their calls were brief , for Aunt Myra 's catarrh was unusually bad ; Aunt Clara had a room full of company ; and Aunt Jane showed such a tendency to discuss the population , productions , and politics of Europe , Asia and Africa , that even Dr. Alec was dismayed , and got away as soon as possible . `` Now we will have a good time ! I do hope the boys will be at home , '' said Rose , with a sigh of relief , as they wound yet higher up the hill to Aunt Jessie 's . `` I left this for the last call , so that we might find the lads just in from school . Yes , there is Jamie on the gate watching for us ; now you 'll see the Clan gather ; they are always swarming about together . '' The instant Jamie saw the approaching guests he gave a shrill whistle , which was answered by echoes from meadow , house and barn , as the cousins came running from all directions , shouting , `` Hooray for Uncle Alec ! '' They went at the carriage like highwaymen , robbed it of every parcel , took the occupants prisoners , and marched them into the house with great exultation . `` Little Mum ! little Mum ! here they are with lots of goodies ! Come down and see the fun right away ! Quick ! '' bawled Will and Geordie amidst a general ripping off of papers and a reckless cutting of strings that soon turned the tidy room into a chaos . Down came Aunt Jessie with her pretty cap half on , but such a beaming face below it that one rather thought the fly-away head-gear an improvement than otherwise . She had hardly time to greet Rose and the doctor before the boys were about her , each clamouring for her to see his gift and rejoice over it with him , for `` little Mum '' went halves in everything .
The great horns skirmished about her as if to toss her to the ceiling ; the XXXXX clubs hurtled over her head as if to annihilate her ; an amazing medley from the four quarters of the globe filled her lap , and seven excited boys all talked to her at once .
Asia Ben Clan Jane Rose head-gear instalment left right war