I fancy you wo n't take it as well as you did the last , but you will like it better after a while , '' said Dr. Alec , about a week after the grand surprise . Rose was sitting in her pretty room , where she would gladly have spent all her time if it had been allowed ; but she looked up with a smile , for she had ceased to fear her uncle 's remedies , and was always ready to try a new one . The last had been a set of light gardening tools , with which she had helped him put the flower-beds in order , learning all sorts of new and pleasant things about the plants as she worked , for , though she had studied botany at school , it seemed very dry stuff compared with Uncle Alec 's lively lesson . `` What is it now ? '' she asked , shutting her work-box without a murmur . `` Salt-water . '' `` How must I take it ? '' `` Put on the new suit Miss Hemming sent home yesterday , and come down to the beach ; then I 'll show you . '' `` Yes , sir , '' answered Rose obediently , adding to herself , with a shiver , as he went off : `` It is too early for bathing , so I know it is something to do with a dreadful boat . '' Putting on the new suit of blue flannel , prettily trimmed with white , and the little sailor-hat with long streamers , diverted her mind from the approaching trial , till a shrill whistle reminded her that her uncle was waiting . Away she ran through the garden , down the sandy path , out upon the strip of beach that belonged to the house , and here she found Dr. Alec busy with a slender red and white boat that lay rocking on the rising tide . `` That is a dear little boat ; and ` Bonnie Belle ' is a pretty name , '' she said , trying not to show how nervous she felt . `` It is for you ; so sit in the stern and learn to steer , till you are ready to learn to row . '' `` Do all boats wiggle about in that way ? '' she asked , lingering as if to tie her hat more firmly . `` Oh , yes , pitch about like nutshells when the sea is a bit rough , '' answered her sailor uncle , never guessing her secret woe . `` Is it rough to-day ? '' `` Not very ; it looks a trifle squally to the eastward , but we are all right till the wind changes . Come . '' `` Can you swim , uncle ? ''
asked XXXXX , clutching at his arm as he took her hand .
Alec Belle Hemming Rose Salt-water flower-beds nutshells sailor-hat week work-box