`` Did you ? Well , come down here and make sure of it . '' `` I 'm not allowed to go out before breakfast , sir . '' `` Oh , indeed ! '' with a shrug . `` Then I 'll come aboard and salute , '' he added ; and , to Rose 's great amazement , Uncle Alec went up one of the pillars of the back piazza hand over hand , stepped across the roof , and swung himself into her balcony , saying , as he landed on the wide balustrade : `` Have you any doubts about me now , ma'am ? '' Rose was so taken aback , she could only answer with a smile as she went to meet him . `` How does my girl do this morning ? '' he asked , taking the little cold hand she gave him in both his big warm ones . `` Pretty well , thank you , sir . '' `` Ah , but it should be very well . Why is n't it ? '' `` I always wake up with a headache , and feel tired . '' `` Do n't you sleep well ? '' `` I lie awake a long time , and then I dream , and my sleep does not seem to rest me much . '' `` What do you do all day ? '' `` Oh , I read , and sew a little , and take naps , and sit with auntie . '' `` No running about out of doors , or house-work , or riding , hey ? '' `` Aunt Plenty says I 'm not strong enough for much exercise . I drive out with her sometimes , but I do n't care for it . ''
`` I 'm not surprised at that , '' said Uncle XXXXX , half to himself , adding , in his quick way : `` Who have you had to play with ? ''
Alec Rose auntie day doors house-work morning sir sleep time