Chapter 14 -- A Happy Birthday The twelfth of October was Rose 's birthday , but no one seemed to remember that interesting fact , and she felt delicate about mentioning it , so fell asleep the night before wondering if she would have any presents . That question was settled early the next morning , for she was awakened by a soft tap on her face , and opening her eyes she beheld a little black and white figure sitting on her pillow , staring at her with a pair of round eyes very like blueberries , while one downy paw patted her nose to attract her notice . It was Kitty Comet , the prettiest of all the pussies , and Comet evidently had a mission to perform , for a pink bow adorned her neck , and a bit of paper was pinned to it bearing the words , `` For Miss Rose , from Frank . '' That pleased her extremely , and that was only the beginning of the fun , for surprises and presents kept popping out in the most delightful manner all through the day , the Atkinson girls being famous jokers and Rose a favourite . But the best gift of all came on the way to Mount Windy-Top , where it was decided to picnic in honour of the great occasion . Three jolly loads set off soon after breakfast , for everybody went , and everybody seemed bound to have an extra good time , especially Mother Atkinson , who wore a hat as broad-brimmed as an umbrella , and took the dinner-horn to keep her flock from straying away . `` I 'm going to drive auntie and a lot of the babies , so you must ride the pony . And please stay behind us a good bit when we go to the station , for a parcel is coming , and you are not to see it till dinner-time . You wo n't mind , will you ? '' said Mac , in a confidential aside during the wild flurry of the start . `` Not a bit , '' answered Rose . `` It hurts my feelings very much to be told to keep out of the way at any other time , but birthdays and Christmas it is part of the fun to be blind and stupid , and poked into corners . I 'll be ready as soon as you are , Giglamps . '' `` Stop under the big maple till I call then you ca n't possibly see anything , '' added Mac , as he mounted her on the pony his father had sent up for his use . `` Barkis '' was so gentle and so `` willin ' , '' however , that Rose was ashamed to be afraid to ride him ; so she had learned , that she might surprise Dr. Alec when she got home ; meantime she had many a fine canter `` over the hills and far away '' with Mac , who preferred Mr. Atkinson 's old Sorrel . Away they went , and , coming to the red maple , Rose obediently paused ; but could not help stealing a glance in the forbidden direction before the call came . Yes , there was a hamper going under the seat , and then she caught sight of a tall man whom Mac seemed to be hustling into the carriage in a great hurry . One look was enough , and with a cry of delight , Rose was off down the road as fast as Barkis could go . `` Now I 'll astonish uncle , '' she thought . `` I 'll dash up in grand style , and show him that I am not a coward , after all . ''
Fired by this ambition , she startled XXXXX by a sharp cut , and still more bewildered him by leaving him to his own guidance down the steep , stony road .
Alec Atkinson Barkis Frank Giglamps Mac before birthdays downy stealing