Presently , she knelt down , and , putting her arms round the little shrine , kissed one after the other , saying with an earnest voice , `` I 'll truly try to make them glad to see me by and by . '' And that was Rose 's little prayer on the night of her fourteenth birthday . Two days later the Campbells went home , a larger party than when they came ; for Dr. Alec was escort and Kitty Comet was borne in state in a basket , with a bottle of milk , some tiny sandwiches , and a doll 's dish to drink out of , as well as a bit of carpet to lie on in her palace car , out of which she kept popping her head in the most fascinating manner . There was a great kissing and cuddling , waving of handkerchiefs , and last good-byes , as they went ; and when they had started , Mother Atkinson came running after them , to tuck in some little pies , hot from the oven , `` for the dears , who might get tired of bread and butter during that long day 's travel . '' Another start , and another halt ; for the Snow children came shrieking up to demand the three kittens that Pokey was cooly carrying off in a travelling bag . The unhappy kits were rescued , half smothered , and restored to their lawful owners , amid dire lamentation from the little kidnapper , who declared that she only `` tooked um 'cause they 'd want to go wid their sister Tomit . '' Start number three and stoppage number three , as Frank hailed them with the luncheon basket , which had been forgotten , after everyone had protested that it was safely in . All went well after that , and the long journey was pleasantly beguiled by Pokey and Pussy , who played together so prettily that they were considered public benefactors . `` Rose does n't want to go home , for she knows the aunts wo n't let her rampage as she did up at Cosey Corner , '' said Mac , as they approached the old house . `` I ca n't rampage if I want to for a time , at least ; and I 'll tell you why . I sprained my ankle when I tumbled off of Barkis , and it gets worse and worse ; though I 've done all I know to cure it and hide it , so it should n't trouble anyone , '' whispered Rose , knitting her brows with pain , as she prepared to descend , wishing her uncle would take her instead of her bundles . How he did it , she never knew ; but Mac had her up the steps and on the parlour sofa before she could put her foot to the ground . `` There you are right side up with care ; and mind , now , if your ankle bothers you , and you are laid up with it , I am to be your footman . It 's only fair , you know ; for I do n't forget how good you have been to me . '' And Mac went to call Phebe , so full of gratitude and good-will that his very goggles shone . Chapter 15 -- Ear-Rings Rose 's sprain proved to be a serious one , owing to neglect , and Dr. Alec ordered her to lie on the sofa for a fortnight at least ; whereat she groaned dismally , but dared not openly complain , lest the boys turn upon her with some of the wise little sermons on patience which she had delivered for their benefit . It was Mac 's turn now , and honourably did he repay his debt ; for , as school was still forbidden , he had plenty of leisure , and devoted most of it to Rose . He took many steps for her , and even allowed her to teach him to knit , after assuring himself that many a brave Scotchman knew how to `` click the pricks . '' She was obliged to take a solemn vow of secrecy , however , before he would consent ; for , though he did not mind being called `` Giglamps , '' `` Granny '' was more than his boyish soul could bear , and at the approach of any of the Clan his knitting vanished as if by magic , which frequent `` chucking '' out of sight did not improve the stripe he was doing for Rose 's new afghan . She was busy with this pretty work one bright October afternoon , all nicely established on her sofa in the upper hall , while Jamie and Pokey -LRB- lent for her amusement -RRB- were keeping house in a corner , with Comet and Rose 's old doll for their `` childerns . ''
Presently , XXXXX appeared with a card .
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