asked Rose of Aunt Peace , as Uncle Alec marched off with a comical air of importance . `` Oh , yes , I taught him years ago , before he went to sea ; and I suppose he has had to do things for himself , more or less , ever since ; so he has kept his hand in . '' He evidently had , for he was soon back with a funny little work-bag , out of which he produced a thimble without a top ; and , having threaded his needle , he proceeded to sew on the buttons so handily that Rose was much impressed and amused . `` I wonder if there is anything in the world that you can not do , '' she said , in a tone of respectful admiration . `` There are one or two things that I am not up to yet , '' he answered , with a laugh in the corner of his eye , as he waxed his thread with a flourish . `` I should like to know what ? '' `` Bread and button-holes , ma'am . '' Chapter 17 -- Good Bargains It was a rainy Sunday afternoon , and four boys were trying to spend it quietly in the `` liberry , '' as Jamie called the room devoted to books and boys , at Aunt Jessie 's . Will and Geordie were sprawling on the sofa , deep in the adventures of the scapegraces and ragamuffins whose histories are now the fashion . Archie lounged in the easy chair , surrounded by newspapers ; Charlie stood upon the rug , in an Englishman 's favourite attitude , and , I regret to say , both were smoking cigars . `` It is my opinion that this day will never come to an end , '' said Prince , with a yawn that nearly rent him asunder . `` Read and improve your mind , my son , '' answered Archie , peering solemnly over the paper behind which he had been dozing . `` Do n't you preach , parson , but put on your boots and come out for a tramp , instead of mulling over the fire like a granny . '' `` No , thank you , tramps in an easterly storm do n't strike me as amusing . '' There Archie stopped and held up his hand , for a pleasant voice was heard saying outside , `` Are the boys in the library , auntie ? '' `` Yes , dear , and longing for sunshine ; so run in and make it for them , '' answered Mrs. Jessie . `` It 's Rose , '' and Archie threw his cigar into the fire . `` What 's that for ? '' asked Charlie . `` Gentlemen do n't smoke before ladies . ''
`` True ; but I 'm not going to waste my weed , '' and XXXXX poked his into the empty inkstand that served them for an ash tray .
Charlie Englishman Geordie Prince afternoon button-holes fire liberry scapegraces storm