`` Yes ; a present for mother , and here it is ! '' roared Archie , flinging wide the door to let in a tall man , who cried out , `` Where 's my little woman ? The first kiss for her , then the rest may come on as fast as they like . '' Before the words were out of his mouth , Mrs. Jessie was half-hidden under his rough great-coat , and four boys were prancing about him clamouring for their turn . Of course , there was a joyful tumult for a time , during which Rose slipped into the window recess and watched what went on , as if it were a chapter in a Christmas story . It was good to see bluff Uncle Jem look proudly at his tall son , and fondly hug the little ones . It was better still to see him shake his brothers ' hands as if he would never leave off , and kiss all the sisters in a way that made even solemn Aunt Myra brighten up for a minute . But it was best of all to see him finally established in grandfather 's chair , with his `` little woman '' beside him , his three youngest boys in his lap , and Archie hovering over him like a large-sized cherub . That really was , as Charlie said , `` A landscape to do one 's heart good . '' `` All hearty and all here , thank God ! '' said Captain Jem in the first pause that came , as he looked about him with a grateful face . `` All but Rose , '' answered loyal little Jamie , remembering the absent . `` Faith , I forgot the child ! Where is George 's little girl ? '' asked the Captain , who had not seen her since she was a baby . `` You 'd better say Alec 's great girl , '' said Uncle Mac , who professed to be madly jealous of his brother . `` Here I am , sir , '' and Rose appeared from behind the curtains , looking as if she had rather have stayed there . `` Saint George Germain , how the mite has grown ! '' cried Captain Jem , as he tumbled the boys out of his lap , and rose to greet the tall girl , like a gentleman as he was . But , somehow , when he shook her hand it looked so small in his big one , and her face reminded him so strongly of his dead brother , that he was not satisfied with so cold a welcome , and with a sudden softening of the keen eyes he took her up in his arms , whispering , with a rough cheek against her smooth one , `` God bless you , child !
forgive me if I forgot you for a XXXXX , and be sure that not one of your kinsfolk is happier to see you here than Uncle Jem . ''
Alec Archie George Jamie Jem Myra Rose cherub minute tumult