`` I intend to try a course of uncles now , and see how that suits your constitution . I 'm going to have you all to myself , and no one is to give a word of advice unless I ask it . There is no other way to keep order aboard , and I am captain of this little craft , for a time at least . What comes next ? '' But Rose stuck there , and grew so red , her uncle guessed what that trouble was . `` I do n't think I can tell this one . It would n't be polite , and I feel pretty sure that it is n't going to be a trouble any more . '' As she blushed and stammered over these words , Dr. Alec turned his eyes away to the distant sea , and said so seriously , so tenderly , that she felt every word and long remembered them , `` My child , I do n't expect you to love and trust me all at once , but I do want you to believe that I shall give my whole heart to this new duty ; and if I make mistakes , as I probably shall , no one will grieve over them more bitterly than I . It is my fault that I am a stranger to you , when I want to be your best friend . That is one of my mistakes , and I never repented it more deeply than I do now . Your father and I had a trouble once , and I thought I could never forgive him ; so I kept away for years . Thank God , we made it all up the last time I saw him , and he told me then , that if he was forced to leave her he should bequeath his little girl to me as a token of his love . I ca n't fill his place , but I shall try to be a father to her ; and if she learns to love me half as well as she did the good one she has lost , I shall be a proud and happy man . Will she believe this and try ? '' Something in Uncle Alec 's face touched Rose to the heart , and when he held out his hand with that anxious troubled look in his eyes , she was moved to put up her innocent lips and seal the contract with a confiding kiss . The strong arm held her close a minute , and she felt the broad chest heave once as if with a great sigh of relief ; but not a word was spoken till a tap at the door made both start . Rose popped her head through the window to say `` come in , '' while Dr. Alec hastily rubbed the sleeve of his jacket across his eyes and began to whistle again . Phebe appeared with a cup of coffee . `` Debby told me to bring this and help you get up , '' she said , opening her black eyes wide , as if she wondered how on earth `` the sailor man '' got there . `` I 'm all dressed , so I do n't need any help .
I hope that is good and strong , '' added XXXXX , eyeing the steaming cup with an eager look .
Alec Debby God Phebe Rose head help minute one years