Now , see here , I 've got a plan and you must n't say no , or I shall scold . I want something to do , and I 'm going to teach you all I know ; it wo n't take long , '' and Rose laughed as she put her arm around Phebe 's neck , and patted the smooth dark head with the kind little hand that so loved to give . `` It would be just heavenly ! '' and Phebe 's face shone at the mere idea ; but fell again as she added wistfully , `` Only I 'm afraid I ought not to let you do it , Miss Rose . It will take time , and maybe the Doctor would n't like it . '' `` He did n't want me to study much , but he never said a word about teaching , and I do n't believe he will mind a bit . Anyway , we can try it till he comes , so pack up your things and go right to my room and we 'll begin this very day ; I 'd truly like to do it , and we 'll have nice times , see if we do n't ! '' cried Rose eagerly . It was a pretty sight to see Phebe bundle her humble outfit into her apron , and spring up as if the desire of her heart had suddenly been made a happy fact to her ; it was a still prettier sight to see Rose run gaily on before , smiling like a good fairy as she beckoned to the other , singing as she went , `` The way into my parlour is up a winding stair , And many are the curious things I 'll show you when you 're there . Will you , will you walk in , Phebe dear ? '' `` Oh , wo n't I ! '' answered Phebe fervently , adding , as they entered the Bower , `` You are the dearest spider that ever was , and I 'm the happiest fly . '' `` I 'm going to be very strict , so sit down in that chair and do n't say a word till school is ready to open , '' ordered Rose , delighted with the prospect of such a useful and pleasant `` something to do . '' So Phebe sat demurely in her place while her new teacher laid forth books and slates , a pretty inkstand and a little globe ; hastily tore a bit off her big sponge , sharpened pencils with more energy than skill , and when all was ready gave a prance of satisfaction that set the pupil laughing . `` Now the school is open , and I shall hear you read , so that I may know in which class to put you , Miss Moore , '' began Rose with great dignity , as she laid a book before her scholar , and sat down in the easy chair with a long rule in her hand . Phebe did pretty well , only tripping now and then over a hard word , and pronouncing identical `` identickle , '' in a sober way that tickled Rose , though never a smile betrayed her . The spelling lesson which followed was rather discouraging ; Phebe 's ideas of geography were very vague , and grammar was nowhere , though the pupil protested that she tried so hard to `` talk nice like educated folks '' that Dolly called her `` a stuck-up piece who did n't know her place . '' `` Dolly 's an old goose , so do n't you mind her , for she will say ` nater , ' ` vittles , ' and ` doos ' as long as she lives , and insist that they are right . You do talk very nicely , Phebe , I 've observed it , and grammar will help you , and show you some things are right and others ai n't are not , I mean , '' added Rose , correcting herself , and feeling that she must mind her own parts of speech if she was to serve as an example for Phebe . When the arithmetic came , the little teacher was surprised to find her scholar quicker in some things than herself , for Phebe had worked away at the columns in the butcher 's and baker 's books till she could add so quickly and correctly that Rose was amazed , and felt that in this branch the pupil would soon excel the teacher if she kept on at the same pace .
Her praise cheered XXXXX immensely , and they went bravely on , both getting so interested that time flew unheeded till Aunt Plenty appeared , exclaiming , as she stared at the two heads bent over one slate , `` Bless my heart , what is going on now ? ''
Doctor Dolly Moore Phebe Rose doos identickle inkstand nater prance