`` Barkis '' was so gentle and so `` willin ' , '' however , that Rose was ashamed to be afraid to ride him ; so she had learned , that she might surprise Dr. Alec when she got home ; meantime she had many a fine canter `` over the hills and far away '' with Mac , who preferred Mr. Atkinson 's old Sorrel . Away they went , and , coming to the red maple , Rose obediently paused ; but could not help stealing a glance in the forbidden direction before the call came . Yes , there was a hamper going under the seat , and then she caught sight of a tall man whom Mac seemed to be hustling into the carriage in a great hurry . One look was enough , and with a cry of delight , Rose was off down the road as fast as Barkis could go . `` Now I 'll astonish uncle , '' she thought . `` I 'll dash up in grand style , and show him that I am not a coward , after all . '' Fired by this ambition , she startled Barkis by a sharp cut , and still more bewildered him by leaving him to his own guidance down the steep , stony road . The approach would have been a fine success if , just as Rose was about to pull up and salute , two or three distracted hens had not scuttled across the road with a great squawking , which caused Barkis to shy and stop so suddenly that his careless rider landed in an ignominious heap just under old Sorrel 's astonished nose . Rose was up again before Dr. Alec was out of the carryall , and threw two dusty arms about his neck crying with a breathless voice , `` O uncle , I 'm so glad to see you ! It is better than a cart-load of goodies , and so dear of you to come ! '' `` But are n't you hurt , child ! That was a rough tumble , and I 'm afraid you must be damaged somewhere , '' answered the Doctor , full of fond anxiety , as he surveyed his girl with pride . `` My feelings are hurt , but my bones are all safe . It 's too bad ! I was going to do it so nicely , and those stupid hens spoilt it all , '' said Rose , quite crestfallen , as well as much shaken . `` I could n't believe my eyes when I asked ` Where is Rose ? ' and Mac pointed to the little Amazon pelting down the hill at such a rate . You could n't have done anything that would please me more , and I 'm delighted to see how well you ride . Now , will you mount again , or shall we turn Mac out and take you in ? '' asked Dr. Alec , as Aunt Jessie proposed a start , for the others were beckoning them to follow .
`` Pride goeth before a fall better not try to show off again , ma'am , '' said XXXXX , who would have been more than mortal if he had refrained from teasing when so good a chance offered .
Alec Amazon Atkinson Barkis Doctor Mac Rose carryall cart-load stealing