He took many steps for her , and even allowed her to teach him to knit , after assuring himself that many a brave Scotchman knew how to `` click the pricks . '' She was obliged to take a solemn vow of secrecy , however , before he would consent ; for , though he did not mind being called `` Giglamps , '' `` Granny '' was more than his boyish soul could bear , and at the approach of any of the Clan his knitting vanished as if by magic , which frequent `` chucking '' out of sight did not improve the stripe he was doing for Rose 's new afghan . She was busy with this pretty work one bright October afternoon , all nicely established on her sofa in the upper hall , while Jamie and Pokey -LRB- lent for her amusement -RRB- were keeping house in a corner , with Comet and Rose 's old doll for their `` childerns . '' Presently , Phebe appeared with a card . Rose read it , made a grimace , then laughed and said , `` I 'll see Miss Blish , '' and immediately put on her company face , pulled out her locket , and settled her curls . `` You dear thing , how do you do ? I 've been trying to call every day since you got back , but I have so many engagements , I really could n't manage it till to-day . So glad you are alone , for mamma said I could sit awhile , and I brought my lace-work to show you , for it 's perfectly lovely . '' cried Miss Blish , greeting Rose with a kiss , which was not very warmly returned , though Rose politely thanked her for coming , and bid Phebe roll up the easy chair . `` How nice to have a maid ! '' said Ariadne , as she settled herself with much commotion . `` Still , dear , you must be very lonely , and feel the need of a bosom friend . '' `` I have my cousins , '' began Rose , with dignity , for her visitor 's patronising manner ruffled her temper . `` Gracious , child ! you do n't make friends of those great boys , do you ? Mamma says she really does n't think it 's proper for you to be with them so much . '' `` They are like brothers , and my aunts do think it 's proper , '' replied Rose , rather sharply , for it struck her that this was none of Miss Blish 's business . `` I was merely going to say I should be glad to have you for my bosom friend , for Hatty Mason and I have had an awful quarrel , and do n't speak . She is too mean to live , so I gave her up . Just think , she never paid back one of the caramels I 've given her , and never invited me to her party .
I could have forgiven the XXXXX , but to be left out in that rude way was more than I could bear , and I told her never to look at me again as long as she lived . ''
Jamie Mason Pokey Rose Scotchman afternoon caramels childerns day lace-work