Fortunately , Dr. Alec saw her before she had time to catch cold , for coming out to tie back the door-flap of his tent for more air , he beheld the small figure perched in the moonlight . Having no fear of ghosts , he quietly approached , and , seeing that she was wide awake , said , with a hand on her shining hair , `` What is my girl doing here ? '' `` Having a good time , '' answered Rose , not at all startled . `` I wonder what she was thinking about with such a sober look . '' `` The story you told of the brave sailor who gave up his place on the raft to the woman , and the last drop of water to the poor baby . People who make sacrifices are very much loved and admired , are n't they ? '' she asked , earnestly . `` If the sacrifice is a true one . But many of the bravest never are known , and get no praise . That does not lessen their beauty , though perhaps it makes them harder , for we all like sympathy , '' and Dr. Alec sighed a patient sort of sigh . `` I suppose you have made a great many ? Would you mind telling me one of them ? '' asked Rose , arrested by the sigh . `` My last was to give up smoking , '' was the very unromantic answer to her pensive question . `` Why did you ? '' `` Bad example for the boys . '' `` That was very good of you , uncle ! Was it hard ? '' `` I 'm ashamed to say it was . But as a wise old fellow once said , ` It is necessary to do right ; it is not necessary to be happy . ' ''
XXXXX pondered over the saying as if it pleased her , and then said , with a clear , bright look , `` A real sacrifice is giving up something you want or enjoy very much , is n't it ? ''
Alec Dr. Rose door-flap fellow moonlight right sigh smoking story