It entirely took the wind out of Aunt Jane 's sails ; it was so sudden , so varied and unexpected , that she had not a word to say . The glasses remained fixed full upon Rose for a moment , and then , with a hasty `` Oh , indeed ! '' the excellent lady bundled into her carriage and drove away , somewhat bewildered and very much disturbed . She would have been more so if she had seen her reprehensible brother-in-law dancing a triumphal polka down the hall with Rose in honour of having silenced the enemy 's battery for once . Chapter 9 -- Phebe 's Secret `` Why do you keep smiling to yourself , Phebe ? '' asked Rose , as they were working together one morning , for Dr. Alec considered house-work the best sort of gymnastics for girls ; so Rose took lessons of Phebe in sweeping , dusting and bed-making . `` I was thinking about a nice little secret I know , and could n't help smiling . '' `` Shall I know it , sometime ? '' `` Guess you will . '' `` Shall I like it ? '' `` Oh , wo n't you , though ! '' `` Will it happen soon ? '' `` Sometime this week . '' `` I know what it is ! The boys are going to have fireworks on the fourth , and have got some surprise for me . Have n't they ? '' `` That 's telling . '' `` Well , I can wait ; only tell me one thing is uncle in it ? '' `` Of course he is ; there 's never any fun without him . '' `` Then it 's all right , and sure to be nice . ''
XXXXX went out on the balcony to shake the rugs , and , having given them a vigorous beating , hung them on the balustrade to air , while she took a look at her plants .
Chapter Jane Phebe Rose bed-making fourth house-work morning right week