Of course , this elevated state of things could not endure long , but it was very nice while it lasted , and left an excellent effect upon the minds of all when the first ardour had subsided . `` There , that 's ready for to-morrow , and I do hope it will be cloudy , '' said Rose , as she finished off the new shade , the progress of which the boys had watched with interest . `` I 'd bespoken an extra sunny day , but I 'll tell the clerk of the weather to change it . He 's an obliging fellow , and he 'll attend to it , so make yourself easy , '' said Charlie , who had become quite perky again . `` It is very easy for you to joke , but how would you like to wear a blinder like that for weeks and weeks , sir ? '' and Rose quenched his rising spirits by slipping the shade over his eyes , as he still sat on the cushion at her feet . `` It 's horrid ! Take it off , take it off ! I do n't wonder the poor old boy has the blues with a thing like that on '' ; and Charlie sat looking at what seemed to him an instrument of torture , with such a sober face that Rose took it gently away , and went in to bid Mac good-night . `` I shall go home with her , for it is getting darkish , and she is rather timid , '' said Archie , forgetting that he had often laughed at this very timidity . `` I think I might , for she 's taking care of my brother , '' put in Steve , asserting his rights . `` Let 's all go , that will please her '' ; proposed Charlie , with a burst of gallantry which electrified his mates . `` We will ! '' they said with one voice , and they did , to Rose 's great surprise and secret contentment ; though Archie had all the care of her , for the other two were leaping fences , running races , and having wrestling matches all the way down . They composed themselves on reaching the door , however ; shook hands cordially all round , made their best bows , and retired with great elegance and dignity , leaving Rose to say to herself , with girlish satisfaction , as she went in , `` Now , that is the way I like to be treated . '' Chapter 13 -- Cosey Corner Vacation was over , the boys went back to school , and poor Mac was left lamenting . He was out of the darkened room now , and promoted to blue goggles , through which he took a gloomy view of life , as might have been expected ; for there was nothing he could do but wander about , and try to amuse himself without using his eyes . Anyone who has ever been condemned to that sort of idleness knows how irksome it is , and can understand the state of mind which caused Mac to say to Rose in a desperate tone one day , `` Look here , if you do n't invent some new employment or amusement for me , I shall knock myself on the head as sure as you live . '' Rose flew to Uncle Alec for advice , and he ordered both patient and nurse to the mountains for a month , with Aunt Jessie and Jamie as escort . Pokey and her mother joined the party , and one bright September morning six very happy-looking people were aboard the express train for Portland two smiling mammas , laden with luncheon baskets and wraps ; a pretty young girl with a bag of books on her arm ; a tall thin lad with his hat over his eyes ; and two small children , who sat with their short legs straight out before them , and their chubby faces beaming with the first speechless delight of `` truly travelling . ''
An especially splendid sunset seemed to have been prepared to welcome them when , after a long XXXXX 's journey , they drove into a wide , green door-yard , where a white colt , a red cow , two cats , four kittens , many hens , and a dozen people , old and young , were gaily disporting themselves .
Alec Charlie Jessie Mac Pokey Portland Steve day morning weeks