I have an idea that if a woman can bring up two boys as perfectly as you do yours , a man , if he devotes his whole mind to it , may at least attempt as much with one girl , '' replied Dr. Alec , with a humorous look that tickled the others immensely , for it was a well-known fact in the family that Jane 's boys were more indulged than all the other lads put together . `` I am quite easy , for I really do think that Alec will improve the child 's health ; and by the time his year is out , it will be quite soon enough for her to go to Madame Roccabella 's and be finished off , '' said Aunt Clara , settling her rings , and thinking , with languid satisfaction , of the time when she could bring out a pretty and accomplished niece . `` I suppose you will stay here in the old place , unless you think of marrying , and it 's high time you did , '' put in Mrs. Jane , much nettled at her brother 's last hit . `` No , thank you . Come and have a cigar , Mac , '' said Dr. Alec , abruptly . `` Do n't marry ; women enough in the family already , '' muttered Uncle Mac ; and then the gentlemen hastily fled . `` Aunt Peace would like to see you all , she says , '' was the message Rose brought before the ladies could begin again . `` Hectic , hectic ! dear me , dear me ! '' murmured Aunt Myra , as the shadow of her gloomy bonnet fell upon Rose , and the stiff tips of a black glove touched the cheek where the colour deepened under so many eyes . `` I am glad these pretty curls are natural ; they will be invaluable by and by , '' said Aunt Clara , taking an observation with her head on one side . `` Now that your uncle has come , I no longer expect you to review the studies of the past year . I trust your time will not be entirely wasted in frivolous sports , however , '' added Aunt Jane , sailing out of the room with the air of a martyr . Aunt Jessie said not a word , but kissed her little niece , with a look of tender sympathy that made Rose cling to her a minute , and follow her with grateful eyes as the door closed behind her . After everybody had gone home , Dr. Alec paced up and down the lower hall in the twilight for an hour , thinking so intently that sometimes he frowned , sometimes he smiled , and more than once he stood still in a brown study . All of a sudden he said , half aloud , as if he had made up his mind , `` I might as well begin at once , and give the child something new to think about , for Myra 's dismals and Jane 's lectures have made her as blue as a little indigo bag . '' Diving into one of the trunks that stood in a corner , he brought up , after a brisk rummage , a silken cushion , prettily embroidered , and a quaint cup of dark carved wood . `` This will do for a start , '' he said , as he plumped up the cushion and dusted the cup . `` It wo n't do to begin too energetically , or Rose will be frightened . I must beguile her gently and pleasantly along till I 've won her confidence , and then she will be ready for anything . ''
Just then Phebe came out of the dining-room with a plate of brown bread , for XXXXX had been allowed no hot biscuit for tea .
Alec Clara Jane Jessie Mac Myra Roccabella Rose colour rummage