answered Rose , looking both anxious and resolute as she waited for her sentence . Dr. Alec was evidently already won , for Rose had described the old slate and brown paper copy-book with pathetic effect , and the excellent man had not only decided to send Phebe to school long before the story was done , but reproached himself for forgetting his duty to one little girl in his love for another . So when Rose tried to look meek and failed utterly , he laughed and pinched her cheek , and answered in that genial way which adds such warmth and grace to any favour , `` I have n't the slightest objection in the world . In fact , I was beginning to think I might let you go at your books again , moderately , since you are so well ; and this is an excellent way to try your powers . Phebe is a brave , bright lass , and shall have a fair chance in the world , if we can give it to her , so that if she ever finds her friends they need not be ashamed of her . '' `` I think she has found some already , '' began Rose eagerly . `` Hey ? what ? has anyone turned up since I 've been gone ? '' asked Dr. Alec quickly , for it was a firm belief in the family that Phebe would prove to be `` somebody '' sooner or later . `` No , her best friend turned up when you came home , uncle , '' answered Rose with an approving pat , adding gratefully , `` I ca n't half thank you for being so good to my girl , but she will , because I know she is going to make a woman to be proud of , she 's so strong and true , and loving . '' `` Bless your dear heart , I have n't begun to do anything yet , more shame to me ! But I 'm going at it now , and as soon as she gets on a bit , she shall go to school as long as she likes . How will that do for a beginning ? '' `` It will be ` just heavenly , ' as Phebe says , for it is the wish of her life to ` get lots of schooling , ' and she will be too happy when I tell her . May I , please ? it will be so lovely to see the dear thing open her big eyes and clap her hands at the splendid news . '' `` No one shall have a finger in this nice little pie ; you shall do it all yourself , only do n't go too fast , or make too many castles in the air , my dear ; for time and patience must go into this pie of ours if it is to turn out well . '' `` Yes , uncle , only when it is opened wo n't ` the birds begin to sing ? '' ' laughed Rose , taking a turn about the room as a vent for the joyful emotions that made her eyes shine .
All of a sudden she stopped and asked soberly , `` If XXXXX goes to school who will do her work ?
Alec Phebe Rose castles copy-book duty eyes love paper shame