inquired Geordie , wondering what punishment would be inflicted on a feminine culprit . `` As she is fond of ornaments , perhaps we had better give her a nose-ring also . I have one somewhere that a Fiji belle once wore ; I 'll look it up , '' and , leaving Pokey to Jamie 's care , Dr. Alec rose as if to carry out his suggestion in earnest . `` Good ! good ! We 'll do it right away ! Here 's a gimlet , so you hold her , boys , while I get her dear little nose all ready , '' cried Charlie , whisking away the pillow as the other boys danced about the sofa in true Fiji style . It was a dreadful moment , for Rose could not run away she could only grasp her precious nose with one hand and extend the other , crying distractedly , `` O uncle , save me , save me ! '' Of course he saved her ; and when she was securely barricaded by his strong arm , she confessed her folly in such humiliation of spirit , that the lads , after a good laugh at her , decided to forgive her and lay all the blame on the tempter , Ariadne . Even Dr. Alec relented so far as to propose two gold rings for the ears instead of one copper one for the nose ; a proceeding which proved that if Rose had all the weakness of her sex for jewellery , he had all the inconsistency of his in giving a pretty penitent exactly what she wanted , spite of his better judgment . Chapter 16 -- Bread and Button-Holes `` What in the world is my girl thinking about all alone here , with such a solemn face ? '' asked Dr. Alec , coming into the study , one November day , to find Rose sitting there with folded hands and a very thoughtful aspect . `` Uncle , I want to have some serious conversation with you , if you have time , '' she said , coming out of a brown study , as if she had not heard his question . `` I 'm entirely at your service , and most happy to listen , '' he answered , in his politest manner , for when Rose put on her womanly little airs he always treated her with a playful sort of respect that pleased her very much . Now , as he sat down beside her , she said , very soberly , `` I 've been trying to decide what trade I would learn , and I want you to advise me . '' `` Trade , my dear ? '' and Dr. Alec looked so astonished that she hastened to explain . `` I forgot that you did n't hear the talk about it up at Cosey Corner . You see we used to sit under the pines and sew , and talk a great deal all the ladies , I mean and I liked it very much . Mother Atkinson thought that everyone should have a trade , or something to make a living out of , for rich people may grow poor , you know , and poor people have to work .
Her girls were very clever , and could do ever so many things , and Aunt Jessie thought the old lady was XXXXX ; so when I saw how happy and independent those young ladies were , I wanted to have a trade , and then it would n't matter about money , though I like to have it well enough . ''
Alec Atkinson Button-Holes Charlie Corner Fiji Geordie Jamie Rose right