That quite upset poor Mac ; he could only murmur his thanks and get out of the room as fast as possible , to grope his way to the couch at the far end of the hall , and lie there till he fell asleep , worn out with trying not to `` make a baby '' of himself . Chapter 22 -- Something to do Whatever danger there might have been from the effects of that sudden chill , it was soon over , though , of course , Aunt Myra refused to believe it , and Dr. Alec cherished his girl with redoubled vigilance and tenderness for months afterward . Rose quite enjoyed being sick , because as soon as the pain ended the fun began , and for a week or two she led the life of a little princess secluded in the Bower , while every one served , amused , and watched over her in the most delightful manner . But the doctor was called away to see an old friend , who was dangerously ill , and then Rose felt like a young bird deprived of its mother 's sheltering wing ; especially on one afternoon when the aunts were taking their naps , and the house was very still within while snow fell softly without . `` I 'll go and hunt up Phebe , she is always nice and busy , and likes to have me help her . If Dolly is out of the way we can make caramels and surprise the boys when they come , '' Rose said to herself , as she threw down her book and felt ready for society of some sort . She took the precaution to peep through the slide before she entered the kitchen , for Dolly allowed no messing when she was round . But the coast was clear , and no one but Phebe appeared , sitting at the table with her head on her arms apparently asleep . Rose was just about to wake her with a `` Boo ! '' when she lifted her head , dried her wet eyes with her blue apron , and fell to work with a resolute face on something she was evidently much interested in . Rose could not make out what it was , and her curiosity was greatly excited , for Phebe was writing with a sputtering pen on some bits of brown paper , apparently copying something from a little book . `` I must know what the dear thing is about , and why she cried , and then set her lips tight and went to work with all her might , '' thought Rose , forgetting all about the caramels , and , going round to the door , she entered the kitchen , saying pleasantly , `` Phebe , I want something to do . Ca n't you let me help you about anything , or shall I be in the way ? '' `` Oh , dear no , miss ; I always love to have you round when things are tidy . What would you like to do ? '' answered Phebe , opening a drawer as if about to sweep her own affairs out of sight ; but Rose stopped her , exclaiming , like a curious child , `` Let me see ! What is it ? I wo n't tell if you 'd rather not have Dolly know . '' `` I 'm only trying to study a bit ; but I 'm so stupid I do n't get on much , '' answered the girl reluctantly , permitting her little mistress to examine the poor contrivances she was trying to work with . A broken slate that had blown off the roof , an inch or two of pencil , an old almanac for a reader , several bits of brown or yellow paper ironed smoothly and sewn together for a copy-book , and the copies sundry receipts written in Aunt Plenty 's neat hand .
These , with a small bottle of ink and a rusty pen , made up XXXXX 's outfit , and it was little wonder that she did not `` get on '' in spite of the patient persistence that dried the desponding tears and drove along the sputtering pen with a will .
Alec Bower Dolly Myra Phebe Rose afternoon caramels copy-book months