`` We heartily commend the book for its healthy spirit , its lively narrative , and its freedom from most of the faults of books for children . '' -- Atlantic Monthly . Our publications are to be had of all Booksellers . Chapter 1 -- Two Girls Rose sat all alone in the big best parlor , with her little handkerchief laid ready to catch the first tear , for she was thinking of her troubles , and a shower was expected . She had retired to this room as a good place in which to be miserable ; for it was dark and still , full of ancient furniture , sombre curtains , and hung all around with portraits of solemn old gentlemen in wigs , severe-nosed ladies in top-heavy caps , and staring children in little bob-tailed coats or short-waisted frocks . It was an excellent place for woe ; and the fitful spring rain that pattered on the window-pane seemed to sob , `` Cry away : I 'm with you . '' Rose really did have some cause to be sad ; for she had no mother , and had lately lost her father also , which left her no home but this with her great-aunts . She had been with them only a week , and , though the dear old ladies had tried their best to make her happy , they had not succeeded very well , for she was unlike any child they had ever seen , and they felt very much as if they had the care of a low-spirited butterfly . They had given her the freedom of the house , and for a day or two she had amused herself roaming all over it , for it was a capital old mansion , and was full of all manner of odd nooks , charming rooms , and mysterious passages . Windows broke out in unexpected places , little balconies overhung the garden most romantically , and there was a long upper hall full of curiosities from all parts of the world ; for the Campbells had been sea-captains for generations . Aunt Plenty had even allowed Rose to rummage in her great china closet a spicy retreat , rich in all the `` goodies '' that children love ; but Rose seemed to care little for these toothsome temptations ; and when that hope failed , Aunt Plenty gave up in despair . Gentle Aunt Peace had tried all sorts of pretty needle-work , and planned a doll 's wardrobe that would have won the heart of even an older child . But Rose took little interest in pink satin hats and tiny hose , though she sewed dutifully till her aunt caught her wiping tears away with the train of a wedding-dress , and that discovery put an end to the sewing society . Then both old ladies put their heads together and picked out the model child of the neighbourhood to come and play with their niece . But Ariadne Blish was the worst failure of all , for Rose could not bear the sight of her , and said she was so like a wax doll she longed to give her a pinch and see if she would squeak . So prim little Ariadne was sent home , and the exhausted aunties left Rose to her own devices for a day or two . Bad weather and a cold kept her in-doors , and she spent most of her time in the library where her father 's books were stored . Here she read a great deal , cried a little , and dreamed many of the innocent bright dreams in which imaginative children find such comfort and delight . This suited her better than anything else , but it was not good for her , and she grew pale , heavy-eyed and listless , though Aunt Plenty gave her iron enough to make a cooking-stove , and Aunt Peace petted her like a poodle . Seeing this , the poor aunties racked their brains for a new amusement and determined to venture a bold stroke , though not very hopeful of its success .
They said nothing to XXXXX about their plan for this Saturday afternoon , but let her alone till the time came for the grand surprise , little dreaming that the odd child would find pleasure for herself in a most unexpected quarter .
Ariadne Booksellers Monthly Rose first frocks in-doors week wigs window-pane