It 's only fair , you know ; for I do n't forget how good you have been to me . '' And Mac went to call Phebe , so full of gratitude and good-will that his very goggles shone . Chapter 15 -- Ear-Rings Rose 's sprain proved to be a serious one , owing to neglect , and Dr. Alec ordered her to lie on the sofa for a fortnight at least ; whereat she groaned dismally , but dared not openly complain , lest the boys turn upon her with some of the wise little sermons on patience which she had delivered for their benefit . It was Mac 's turn now , and honourably did he repay his debt ; for , as school was still forbidden , he had plenty of leisure , and devoted most of it to Rose . 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 XXXXX 's business .
Ariadne Blish Jamie Pokey Rose Scotchman fortnight lace-work patronising whereat