`` Ai n't he a funny guardeen ? '' exclaimed Phebe , as she went off with the cups . `` He is a very kind one , I think , '' answered Rose , following , to prowl round the big boxes and try to guess which was hers . When her uncle appeared at sound of the bell , he found her surveying with an anxious face a new dish that smoked upon the table . `` Got a fresh trouble , Rosy ? '' he asked , stroking her smooth head . `` Uncle , are you going to make me eat oatmeal ? '' asked Rose , in a tragic tone . `` Do n't you like it ? '' `` I de-test it ! '' answered Rose , with all the emphasis which a turned-up nose , a shudder , and a groan could give to the three words . `` You are not a true Scotchwoman , if you do n't like the ` parritch . ' It 's a pity , for I made it myself , and thought we 'd have such a good time with all that cream to float it in . Well , never mind . '' And he sat down with a disappointed air . Rose had made up her mind to be obstinate about it , because she did heartily `` detest '' the dish ; but as Uncle Alec did not attempt to make her obey , she suddenly changed her mind and thought she would . `` I 'll try to eat it to please you , uncle ; but people are always saying how wholesome it is , and that makes me hate it , '' she said , half-ashamed at her silly excuse . `` I do want you to like it , because I wish my girl to be as well and strong as Jessie 's boys , who are brought up on this in the good old fashion . No hot bread and fried stuff for them , and they are the biggest and bonniest lads of the lot . Bless you , auntie , and good morning ! ''
Dr. Alec turned to greet the old lady , and , with a firm resolve to eat or die in the attempt , XXXXX sat down .
Alec Jessie Phebe Rose Scotchwoman guardeen lads mind parritch tone