Come and tell aunty all about it , for I 'm in a hurry to begin , '' cried Rose , dancing before him toward the parlor , where Miss Plenty sat alone knitting contentedly , yet ready to run at the first call for help of any sort , from any quarter . No need to tell how surprised and gratified she was at the invitation she received to teach the child the domestic arts which were her only accomplishments , nor to relate how energetically she set about her pleasant task . Dolly dared not grumble , for Miss Plenty was the one person whom she obeyed , and Phebe openly rejoiced , for these new lessons brought Rose nearer to her , and glorified the kitchen in the good girl 's eyes . To tell the truth , the elder aunts had sometimes felt that they did not have quite their share of the little niece who had won their hearts long ago , and was the sunshine of the house . They talked it over together sometimes , but always ended by saying that as Alec had all the responsibility , he should have the larger share of the dear girl 's love and time , and they would be contented with such crumbs of comfort as they could get . Dr. Alec had found out this little secret , and , after reproaching himself for being blind and selfish , was trying to devise some way of mending matters without troubling anyone , when Rose 's new whim suggested an excellent method of weaning her a little from himself . He did not know how fond he was of her till he gave her up to the new teacher , and often could not resist peeping in at the door to see how she got on , or stealing sly looks through the slide when she was deep in dough , or listening intently to some impressive lecture from Aunt Plenty . They caught him at it now and then , and ordered him off the premises at the point of the rolling-pin ; or , if unusually successful , and , therefore , in a milder mood , they lured him away with bribes of ginger-bread , a stray pickle , or a tart that was not quite symmetrical enough to suit their critical eyes . Of course he made a point of partaking copiously of all the delectable messes that now appeared at table , for both the cooks were on their mettle , and he fared sumptuously every day . But an especial relish was given to any dish when , in reply to his honest praise of it , Rose coloured up with innocent pride , and said modestly , `` I made that , uncle , and I 'm glad you like it . '' It was some time before the perfect loaf appeared , for bread-making is an art not easily learned , and Aunt Plenty was very thorough in her teaching ; so Rose studied yeast first , and through various stages of cake and biscuit came at last to the crowning glory of the `` handsome , wholesome loaf . '' It appeared at tea-time , on a silver salver , proudly borne in by Phebe , who could not refrain from whispering , with a beaming face , as she set it down before Dr. Alec , `` Ai n't it just lovely , sir ? '' `` It is a regularly splendid loaf ! Did my girl make it all herself ? '' he asked , surveying the shapely , sweet-smelling object with real interest and pleasure . `` Every particle herself , and never asked a bit of help or advice from anyone , '' answered Aunt Plenty , folding her hands with an air of unmitigated satisfaction , for her pupil certainly did her great credit . `` I 've had so many failures and troubles that I really thought I never should be able to do it alone . Dolly let one splendid batch burn up because I forgot it . She was there and smelt it , but never did a thing , for she said , when I undertook to bake bread I must give my whole mind to it . Was n't it hard ?
She might have called me at least , '' said XXXXX , recollecting , with a sigh , the anguish of that moment .
Dolly Phebe Plenty Rose bread-making crumbs first ginger-bread rolling-pin tea-time