Hope you like it . Now I 'll tell you who these chaps are , and then we shall be all right . This big one is Prince Charlie , Aunt Clara 's boy . She has but one , so he is an extra good one . This old fellow is Mac , the bookworm , called Worm for short . This sweet creature is Steve the Dandy . Look at his gloves and top-knot , if you please . They are Aunt Jane 's lads , and a precious pair you 'd better believe . These are the Brats , my brothers , Geordie and Will , and Jamie the Baby . Now , my men , step out and show your manners . '' At this command , to Rose 's great dismay , six more hands were offered , and it was evident that she was expected to shake them all . It was a trying moment to the bashful child ; but , remembering that they were her kinsmen come to welcome her , she tried her best to return the greeting cordially . This impressive ceremony being over , the Clan broke ranks , and both rooms instantly appeared to be pervaded with boys . Rose hastily retired to the shelter of a big chair and sat there watching the invaders and wondering when her aunt would come and rescue her . As if bound to do their duty manfully , yet rather oppressed by it , each lad paused beside her chair in his wanderings , made a brief remark , received a still briefer answer , and then sheered off with a relieved expression . Archie came first , and , leaning over the chair-back , observed in a paternal tone , `` I 'm glad you 've come , cousin , and I hope you 'll find the Aunt-hill pretty jolly . '' `` I think I shall . '' Mac shook his hair out of his eyes , stumbled over a stool , and asked abruptly , `` Did you bring any books with you ? '' `` Four boxes full . They are in the library . ''
XXXXX vanished from the room , and Steve , striking an attitude which displayed his costume effectively , said with an affable smile , `` We were sorry not to see you last Wednesday .
Aunt-hill Baby Clan Clara Jane Mac bookworm kinsmen right top-knot