`` Well , I would n't borrow trouble , but have a real good time . I 'm sure I should think I was in clover if I had folks and money , and nothing to do but enjoy myself , '' began Phebe , but got no further , for a sudden rush and tumble outside made them both jump . `` It 's thunder , '' said Phebe . `` It 's a circus ! '' cried Rose , who from her elevated perch had caught glimpses of a gay cart of some sort and several ponies with flying manes and tails . The sound died away , and the girls were about to continue their confidences when old Debby appeared , looking rather cross and sleepy after her nap . `` You are wanted in the parlor , Miss Rose . '' `` Has anybody come ? '' `` Little girls should n't ask questions , but do as they are bid , '' was all Debby would answer . `` I do hope it is n't Aunt Myra ; she always scares me out of my wits asking how my cough is , and groaning over me as if I was going to die , '' said Rose , preparing to retire the way she came , for the slide , being cut for the admission of bouncing Christmas turkeys and puddings , was plenty large enough for a slender girl . `` Guess you 'll wish it was Aunt Myra when you see who has come . Do n't never let me catch you coming into my kitchen that way again , or I 'll shut you up in the big b ` iler , '' growled Debby , who thought it her duty to snub children on all occasions . Chapter 2 -- The Clan Rose scrambled into the china-closet as rapidly as possible , and there refreshed herself by making faces at Debby , while she settled her plumage and screwed up her courage . Then she crept softly down the hall and peeped into the parlor . No one appeared , and all was so still she felt sure the company was upstairs . So she skipped boldly through the half-open folding-doors , to behold on the other side a sight that nearly took her breath away . Seven boys stood in a row all ages , all sizes , all yellow-haired and blue-eyed , all in full Scotch costume , and all smiling , nodding , and saying as with one voice , `` How are you , cousin ? '' Rose gave a little gasp , and looked wildly about her as if ready to fly , for fear magnified the seven and the room seemed full of boys . Before she could run , however , the tallest lad stepped out of the line , saying pleasantly , `` Do n't be frightened . This is the Clan come to welcome you ; and I 'm the chief , Archie , at your service . ''
He held out his hand as he spoke , and XXXXX timidly put her own into a brown paw , which closed over the white morsel and held it as the chief continued his introductions .
Archie Clan Debby Myra Rose Scotch china-closet folding-doors iler plumage