Do let me , and do n't laugh at it ; I truly do not wish to be praised , and I truly want to do it . Love to all from , `` Rose . '' `` Bless the little dear , what a generous heart she has ! Shall we go after her , Jessie , or let her have her way ? '' said Dr. Alec , after the first mingled amusement and astonishment had subsided . `` Let her alone , and do n't spoil her little sacrifice . She means it , I know , and the best way in which we can show our respect for her effort is to give Phebe a pleasant day . I 'm sure she has earned it '' ; and Mrs. Jessie made a sign to the boys to suppress their disappointment and exert themselves to please Rose 's guest . Phebe was with difficulty kept from going straight home , and declared that she should not enjoy herself one bit without Miss Rose . `` She wo n't hold out all day , and we shall see her paddling back before noon , I 'll wager anything , '' said Charlie ; and the rest so strongly inclined to his opinion that they resigned themselves to the loss of the little queen of the revels , sure that it would be only a temporary one . But hour after hour passed , and no signal appeared on the balcony , though Phebe watched it hopefully . No passing boat brought the truant back , though more than one pair of eyes looked out for the bright hair under the round hat ; and sunset came , bringing no Rose but the lovely colour in the western sky . `` I really did not think the child had it in her . I fancied it was a bit of sentiment , but I see she was in earnest , and means that her sacrifice shall be a true one . Dear little soul ! I 'll make it up to her a thousand times over , and beg her pardon for thinking it might be done for effect , '' Dr. Alec said remorsefully , as he strained his eyes through the dusk , fancying he saw a small figure sitting in the garden as it had sat on the keg the night before , laying the generous little plot that had cost more than he could guess . `` Well , she ca n't help seeing the fireworks , any way , unless she is goose enough to think she must hide in a dark closet and not look , '' said Archie , who was rather disgusted at Rose 's seeming ingratitude . `` She will see ours capitally , but miss the big ones on the hill , unless papa has forgotten all about them , '' added Steve , cutting short the harangue Mac had begun upon the festivals of the ancients . `` I 'm sure the sight of her will be better than the finest fireworks that ever went off , '' said Phebe , meditating an elopement with one of the boats if she could get a chance . `` Let things work ; if she resists a brilliant invitation we give her she will be a heroine , '' added Uncle Alec , secretly hoping that she would not .
Meanwhile XXXXX had spent a quiet , busy day helping Dolly , waiting on Aunt Peace , and steadily resisting Aunt Plenty 's attempts to send her back to the happy island .
Alec Archie Rose Steve colour elopement first harangue hour noon