`` Why , uncle , we did study English grammar , and I could parse beautifully . Miss Power used to have us up to show off when people came . I do n't see but I talk as right as most girls . '' `` I dare say you do , but we are all too careless about our English . Now , think a minute , and tell me if these expressions are correct ` Luly and me , ' ` those sort of things , ' and ` as right as most girls . ' '' Rose pulled her pet curl and put up her lip , but had to own that she was wrong , and said meekly , after a pause which threatened to be sulky , `` I suppose I should have said ` Luly and I , ' in that case , and ` that sort of things ' and ` rightly , ' though ` correctly ' would have been a better word , I guess . '' `` Thank you ; and if you will kindly drop ' I guess , ' I shall like my little Yankee all the better . Now , see here , Rosy , I do n't pretend to set myself up for a model in anything , and you may come down on my grammar , manners or morals as often as you think I 'm wrong , and I 'll thank you . I 've been knocking about the world for years , and have got careless , but I want my girl to be what I call well-educated , even if she studies nothing but the three ` Rs ' for a year to come . Let us be thorough , no matter how slowly we go . '' He spoke so earnestly and looked so sorry to have ruffled her that Rose went and sat on the arm of his chair , saying , with a pretty air of penitence , `` I 'm sorry I was cross , uncle , when I ought to thank you for taking so much interest in me . I guess no , I think you are right about being thorough , for I used to understand a great deal better when papa taught me a few lessons than when Miss Power hurried me through so many . I declare my head used to be such a jumble of French and German , history and arithmetic , grammar and music , I used to feel sometimes as if it would split . I 'm sure I do n't wonder it ached . '' And she held on to it as if the mere memory of the `` jumble '' made it swim . `` Yet that is considered an excellent school , I find , and I dare say it would be if the benighted lady did not think it necessary to cram her pupils like Thanks-giving turkeys , instead of feeding them in a natural and wholesome way . It is the fault with most American schools , and the poor little heads will go on aching till we learn better . '' This was one of Dr. Alec 's hobbies , and Rose was afraid he was off for a gallop , but he reined himself in and gave her thoughts a new turn by saying suddenly , as he pulled out a fat pocket-book , `` Uncle Mac has put all your affairs into my hands now , and here is your month 's pocket money . You keep your own little accounts , I suppose ? '' `` Thank you .
Yes , Uncle XXXXX gave me an account book when I went to school , and I used to put down my expenses , but I could n't make them go very well , for figures are the one thing I am not at all clever about , '' said Rose , rummaging in her desk for a dilapidated little book , which she was ashamed to show when she found it .
English German Mac Power minute month penitence pocket-book right years