He would want the boys . '' `` No danger but he 'd have the boys , for they swarm after you like bees after their queen . Have n't you found that out ? '' `` Aunt Plen often says they never used to be here half so much before I came , but I never thought I made the difference , it seemed so natural to have them round . '' `` Little modesty does n't know what a magnet she is ; but she will find it out some day , '' and the Doctor softly stroked the cheek that had grown rosy with pleasure at the thought of being so much loved . `` Now , you see , if I move the magnet to Aunt Clara 's , the lads will go there as sure as iron to steel , and Charlie will be so happy at home he wo n't care for these mischievous mates of his I hope , '' added the Doctor , well knowing how hard it was to wean a seventeen-year-old boy from his first taste of what is called `` seeing life , '' which , alas ! often ends in seeing death . `` I 'll go , uncle , right away ! Aunt Clara is always asking me , and will be glad to get me . I shall have to dress and dine late , and see lots of company , and be very fashionable , but I 'll try not to let it hurt me ; and if I get in a puzzle or worried about anything I can run to you , '' answered Rose , good-will conquering timidity . So it was decided , and without saying much about the real reason for this visit , Rose was transplanted to Aunt Clara 's , feeling that she had a work to do , and very eager to do it well . Dr. Alec was right about the bees , for the boys did follow their queen , and astonished Mrs. Clara by their sudden assiduity in making calls , dropping in to dinner , and getting up evening frolics . Charlie was a devoted host , and tried to show his gratitude by being very kind to his `` little sister , '' for he guessed why she came , and his heart was touched by her artless endeavours to `` help him be good . '' Rose often longed to be back in the old house with the simpler pleasures and more useful duties of the life there ; but , having made up her mind , in spite of Phebe , that `` girls were made to take care of boys , '' here motherly little soul found much to enjoy in the new task she had undertaken . It was a pretty sight to see the one earnest , sweet-faced girl among the flock of tall lads , trying to understand , to help and please them with a patient affection that worked many a small miracle unperceived . Slang , rough manners , and careless habits were banished or bettered by the presence of a little gentlewoman ; and all the manly virtues cropping up were encouraged by the hearty admiration bestowed upon them by one whose good opinion all valued more than they confessed ; while Rose tried to imitate the good qualities she praised in them , to put away her girlish vanities and fears , to be strong and just , and frank and brave , as well as modest , kind , and beautiful . This trial worked so well that when the month was over , Mac and Steve demanded a visit in their turn , and Rose went , feeling that she would like to hear grim Aunt Jane say , as Aunt Clara did at parting , `` I wish I could keep you all my life , dear . '' After Mac and Steve had had their turn , Archie and Company bore her away for some weeks ; and with them she was so happy , she felt as if she would like to stay for ever , if she could have Uncle Alec also . Of course , Aunt Myra could not be neglected , and , with secret despair , Rose went to the `` Mausoleum , '' as the boys called her gloomy abode . Fortunately , she was very near home , and Dr. Alec dropped in so often that her visit was far less dismal than she expected .
Between them , they actually made Aunt Myra laugh heartily more than once ; and XXXXX did her so much good by letting in the sunshine , singing about the silent house , cooking wholesome messes , and amusing the old lady with funny little lectures on physiology , that she forgot to take her pills and gave up `` Mum 's Elixir , '' because she slept so well , after the long walks and drives she was beguiled into taking , that she needed no narcotic .
Alec Clara Mac Phebe Plen Rose Steve day gentlewoman seventeen-year-old