`` I thought that would settle it , '' he said with a nod . `` I did n't wait for Mrs. Van to lead the way , and for once in my life I have adopted a new fashion before Clara . My freedom suit is ordered , and you may see me playing tag with Rose and the boys before long , '' answered Mrs. Jessie , nodding back at him . Meantime Aunt Plenty was examining Rose 's costume , for the hat and sack were off , and the girl was eagerly explaining the new under-garments . `` See , auntie , all nice scarlet flannel , and a gay little petticoat , and long stockings , oh , so warm ! Phebe and I nearly died laughing when I put this rig on , but I like it ever so much . The dress is so comfortable , and does n't need any belt or sash , and I can sit without rumpling any trimming , that 's such a comfort ! I like to be tidy , and so , when I wear fussed-up things , I 'm thinking of my clothes all the time , and that 's tiresome . Do say you like it . I resolved I would , just to please uncle , for he does know more about health than anyone else , I 'm sure , and I 'd wear a bag if he asked me to do it . '' `` I do n't ask that , Rose , but I wish you 'd weigh and compare the two suits , and then choose which seems best . I leave it to your own commonsense , '' answered Dr. Alec , feeling pretty sure he had won . `` Why , I take this one , of course , uncle . The other is fashionable , and yes I must say I think it 's pretty but it 's very heavy , and I should have to go round like a walking doll if I wore it . I 'm much obliged to auntie , but I 'll keep this , please . '' Rose spoke gently but decidedly , though there was a look of regret when her eye fell on the other suit which Phebe had brought in ; and it was very natural to like to look as other girls did . Aunt Clara sighed ; Uncle Alec smiled , and said heartily , `` Thank you , dear ; now read this book and you will understand why I ask it of you . Then , if you like , I 'll give you a new lesson ; you asked for one yesterday , and this is more necessary than French or housekeeping . '' `` Oh , what ? '' and Rose caught up the book which Mrs. Clara had thrown down with a disgusted look .
Though Dr. XXXXX was forty , the boyish love of teasing was not yet dead in him , and , being much elated at his victory , he could not resist the temptation of shocking Mrs. Clara by suggesting dreadful possibilities , so he answered , half in earnest , half in jest , `` Physiology , Rose .
Alec Clara French Jessie Phebe Rose Van commonsense petticoat under-garments