`` Yes ; it is very curious , but I never can make things come out square . '' `` Perhaps I can help you , '' began Uncle Alec , in the most respectful tone . `` I think you had better , for if I have got to keep accounts I may as well begin in the right way . But please do n't laugh ! I know I 'm very stupid , and my book is a disgrace , but I never could get it straight . '' And with great trepidation , Rose gave up her funny little accounts . It really was good in Dr. Alec not to laugh , and Rose felt deeply grateful when he said in a mildly suggestive tone , `` The dollars and cents seem to be rather mixed , perhaps if I just straightened them out a bit we should find things all right . '' `` Please do , and then show me on a fresh leaf how to make mine look nice and ship-shape as yours do . '' As Rose stood by him watching the ease with which he quickly brought order out of chaos , she privately resolved to hunt up her old arithmetic and perfect herself in the four first rules , with a good tug at fractions , before she read any more fairy tales . `` Am I a rich girl , uncle ? '' she asked suddenly , as he was copying a column of figures . `` Rather a poor one , I should say , since you had to borrow a ninepence . '' `` That was your fault , because you forgot my pocket-money . But , really , shall I be rich by and by ? '' `` I am afraid you will . '' `` Why afraid , uncle ? '' `` Too much money is a bad thing . '' `` But I can give it away , you know ; that is always the pleasantest part of having it I think . '' `` I 'm glad you feel so , for you can do much good with your fortune if you know how to use it well . '' `` You shall teach me , and when I am a woman we will set up a school where nothing but the three R 's shall be taught , and all the children live on oatmeal , and the girls have waists a yard round , '' said Rose , with a sudden saucy smile dimpling her cheeks .
`` You are an impertinent little baggage , to turn on me in that way right in the midst of my XXXXX attempt at teaching .
Alec Dr. Rose first laugh ninepence pocket-money right trepidation waists