Did you ever read that sweet story ? '' asked Rose , who was fond of tales of found-lings , and had read many . `` I do n't have any books to read , and all the spare time I get I run off into the woods ; that rests me better than stories , '' answered Phebe , as she finished one job and began on another . Rose watched her as she got out a great pan of beans to look over , and wondered how it would seem to have life all work and no play . Presently Phebe seemed to think it was her turn to ask questions , and said , wistfully , `` You 've had lots of schooling , I suppose ? '' `` Oh , dear me , yes ! I 've been at boarding school nearly a year , and I 'm almost dead with lessons . The more I got , the more Miss Power gave me , and I was so miserable that I ` most cried my eyes out . Papa never gave me hard things to do , and he always taught me so pleasantly I loved to study . Oh , we were so happy and so fond of one another ! But now he is gone , and I am left all alone . '' The tear that would not come when Rose sat waiting for it came now of its own accord two of them in fact and rolled down her cheeks , telling the tale of love and sorrow better than any words could do it . For a minute there was no sound in the kitchen but the little daughter 's sobbing and the sympathetic patter of the rain . Phebe stopped rattling her beans from one pan to another , and her eyes were full of pity as they rested on the curly head bent down on Rose 's knee , for she saw that the heart under the pretty locket ached with its loss , and the dainty apron was used to dry sadder tears than any she had ever shed . Somehow , she felt more contented with her brown calico gown and blue-checked pinafore ; envy changed to compassion ; and if she had dared she would have gone and hugged her afflicted guest . Fearing that might not be considered proper , she said , in her cheery voice , `` I 'm sure you ai n't all alone with such a lot of folks belonging to you , and all so rich and clever . You 'll be petted to pieces , Debby says , because you are the only girl in the family . '' Phebe 's last words made Rose smile in spite of her tears , and she looked out from behind her apron with an April face , saying in a tone of comic distress , `` That 's one of my troubles ! I 've got six aunts , and they all want me , and I do n't know any of them very well . Papa named this place the Aunt-hill , and now I see why . ''
XXXXX laughed with her as she said encouragingly , `` Everyone calls it so , and it 's a real good name , for all the Mrs. Campbells live handy by , and keep coming up to see the old ladies . ''
Aunt-hill Debby Phebe Rose found-lings left locket minute pinafore year