Seeing Phebe 's bewilderment , she quieted down and said , with a pretty air of earnestness , `` It is n't fair that I should have so much and you so little , and I want to be as good to you as if you were my sister , for Aunt Peace says we are all sisters really . I thought if I adopted you as much as I can now , it would be nicer . Will you let me , please ? '' To Rose 's great surprise , Phebe sat down on the floor and hid her face in her apron for a minute without answering a word . `` Oh , dear , now she 's offended , and I do n't know what to do , '' thought Rose , much discouraged by this reception of her offer . `` Please , forgive me ; I did n't mean to hurt your feelings , and hope you wo n't think -- '' she faltered presently , feeling that she must undo the mischief , if possible . But Phebe gave her another surprise , by dropping the apron and showing a face all smiles , in spite of tears in the eyes , as she put both arms round Rose and said , with a laugh and sob , `` I think you are the dearest girl in the world , and I 'll let you do anything you like with me . '' `` Then you do like the plan ? You did n't cry because I seemed to be kind of patronising ? I truly did n't mean to be , '' cried Rose , delighted . `` I guess I do like it ! and cried because no one was ever so good to me before , and I could n't help it . As for patronising , you may walk on me if you want to , and I wo n't mind , '' said Phebe , in a burst of gratitude , for the words , `` we are sisters '' went straight to her lonely heart and nestled there . `` Well , now , we can play I 'm a good sprite out of the box , or , what is better , a fairy godmother come down the chimney , and you are Cinderella , and must say what you want , '' said Rose , trying to put the question delicately . Phebe understood that , for she had a good deal of natural refinement , though she did come from the poor-house . `` I do n't feel as if I wanted anything now , Miss Rose , but to find some way of thanking you for all you 've done , '' she said , rubbing off a tear that went rolling down the bridge of her nose in the most unromantic way . `` Why , I have n't done anything but given you a bit of candy ! Here , have some more , and eat 'em while you work , and think what I can do . I must go and clear up , so good-bye , and do n't forget I 've adopted you . '' `` You 've given me sweeter things than candy , and I 'm not likely to forget it . ''
And carefully wiping off the brick-dust , Phebe pressed the little hand XXXXX 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 .
Cinderella Phebe Rose apron deal godmother minute patronising poor-house surprise