`` You may laugh if you want to , Miss Rose , I know my things are queer , and that 's why I hide 'em ; but I do n't mind since you 've found me out , and I ai n't a bit ashamed except of being so backward at my age , '' said Phebe humbly , though her cheeks grew redder as she washed out some crooked capitals with a tear or two not yet dried upon the slate . `` Laugh at you ! I feel more like crying to think what a selfish girl I am , to have loads of books and things and never remember to give you some . Why did n't you come and ask me , and not go struggling along alone in this way ? It was very wrong of you , Phebe , and I 'll never forgive you if you do so again , '' answered Rose , with one hand on Phebe 's shoulder , while the other gently turned the leaves of the poor little copy-book . `` I did n't like to ask for anything more when you are so good to me all the time , miss , dear , '' began Phebe , looking up with grateful eyes . `` O you proud thing ! just as if it was n't fun to give away , and I had the best of it . Now , see here , I 've got a plan and you must n't say no , or I shall scold . I want something to do , and I 'm going to teach you all I know ; it wo n't take long , '' and Rose laughed as she put her arm around Phebe 's neck , and patted the smooth dark head with the kind little hand that so loved to give . `` It would be just heavenly ! '' and Phebe 's face shone at the mere idea ; but fell again as she added wistfully , `` Only I 'm afraid I ought not to let you do it , Miss Rose . It will take time , and maybe the Doctor would n't like it . '' `` He did n't want me to study much , but he never said a word about teaching , and I do n't believe he will mind a bit . Anyway , we can try it till he comes , so pack up your things and go right to my room and we 'll begin this very day ; I 'd truly like to do it , and we 'll have nice times , see if we do n't ! '' cried Rose eagerly . It was a pretty sight to see Phebe bundle her humble outfit into her apron , and spring up as if the desire of her heart had suddenly been made a happy fact to her ; it was a still prettier sight to see Rose run gaily on before , smiling like a good fairy as she beckoned to the other , singing as she went , `` The way into my parlour is up a winding stair , And many are the curious things I 'll show you when you 're there . Will you , will you walk in , Phebe dear ? '' `` Oh , wo n't I ! '' answered Phebe fervently , adding , as they entered the Bower , `` You are the dearest spider that ever was , and I 'm the happiest fly . ''
`` I 'm going to be very strict , so sit down in that chair and do n't say a word till school is ready to open , '' ordered XXXXX , delighted with the prospect of such a useful and pleasant `` something to do . ''
Bower Doctor Phebe Rose copy-book day heart parlour right spring