`` Rose , we must not fly about from one thing to another in this way , '' began Dr. Alec , but she whispered quickly , with a nod towards Mac , whose goggles were turned wistfully in the direction of the forbidden books , `` He 's blue to-day , and we must amuse him ; give a little lecture on eyes , and it will do him good . No matter about me , uncle . '' `` Very well ; the class will please be seated , '' and the Doctor gave a sounding rap on the table . `` Come , sit by me , dear , then we can both see the pictures ; and if your head gets tired you can lie down , '' said Rose , generously opening her little college to a brother , and kindly providing for the weaknesses that all humanity is subject to . Side by side they sat and listened to a very simple explanation of the mechanism of the eye , finding it as wonderful as a fairy tale , for fine plates illustrated it , and a very willing teacher did his best to make the lesson pleasant . `` Jove ! if I 'd known what mischief I was doing to that mighty delicate machine of mine , you would n't have caught me reading by firelight , or studying with a glare of sunshine on my book , '' said Mac , peering solemnly at a magnified eye-ball ; then , pushing it away , he added indignantly , `` Why is n't a fellow taught all about his works , and how to manage 'em , and not left to go blundering into all sorts of worries ? Telling him after he 's down is n't much use , for then he 's found it out himself and wo n't thank you . '' `` Ah , Mac , that 's just what I keep lecturing about , and people wo n't listen . You lads need that sort of knowledge so much , and fathers and mothers ought to be able to give it to you . Few of them are able , and so we all go blundering , as you say . Less Greek and Latin and more knowledge of the laws of health for my boys , if I had them . Mathematics are all very well , but morals are better , and I wish , how I wish that I could help teachers and parents to feel it as they ought . '' `` Some do ; Aunt Jessie and her boys have capital talks , and I wish we could ; but mother 's so busy with her housekeeping , and father with his business , there never seems to be any time for that sort of thing ; even if there was , it do n't seem as if it would be easy to talk to them , because we 've never got into the way of it , you know . '' Poor Mac was right there , and expressed a want that many a boy and girl feels . Fathers and mothers are too absorbed in business and housekeeping to study their children , and cherish that sweet and natural confidence which is a child 's surest safeguard , and a parent 's subtlest power . So the young hearts hide trouble or temptation till the harm is done , and mutual regret comes too late . Happy the boys and girls who tell all things freely to father or mother , sure of pity , help , and pardon ; and thrice happy the parents who , out of their own experience , and by their own virtues , can teach and uplift the souls for which they are responsible . This longing stirred in the hearts of Rose and Mac , and by a natural impulse both turned to Dr. Alec , for in this queer world of ours , fatherly and motherly hearts often beat warm and wise in the breasts of bachelor uncles and maiden aunts ; and it is my private opinion that these worthy creatures are a beautiful provision of nature for the cherishing of other people 's children . They certainly get great comfort out of it , and receive much innocent affection that otherwise would be lost .
Dr. Alec was one of these , and his big heart had room for every one of the eight cousins , especially orphaned Rose and afflicted Mac ; so , when the boy uttered that unconscious reproach to his parents , and XXXXX added with a sigh , `` It must be beautiful to have a mother ! ''
Alec Doctor Greek Jove Mac Rose blundering eye-ball left right