Her willing feet were never tired of taking steps for those who had smoothed her way ; her skilful hands were always busy in some labour of love for them , and on the face fast growing in comeliness there was an almost womanly expression of devotion , which proved how well Phebe had already learned one of life 's great lessons gratitude . Chapter 23 -- Peace-Making `` Steve , I want you to tell me something , '' said Rose to Dandy , who was making faces at himself in the glass , while he waited for an answer to the note he brought from his mother to Aunt Plenty . `` P'raps I will , and p ` raps I wo n't . What is it ? '' `` Have n't Arch and Charlie quarrelled ? '' `` Dare say ; we fellows are always having little rows , you know . I do believe a sty is coming on my star-board eye , '' and Steve affected to be absorbed in a survey of his yellow lashes . `` No , that wo n't do ; I want to know all about it ; for I 'm sure something more serious than a ` little row ' is the matter . Come , please tell me , Stenie , there 's a dear . '' `` Botheration ! you do n't want me to turn telltale , do you ? '' growled Steve , pulling his top-knot , as he always did when perplexed . `` Yes , I do , '' was Rose 's decided answer for she saw from his manner that she was right , and determined to have the secret out of him if coaxing would do it . `` I do n't wish you to tell things to everyone , of course , but to me you may , and you must , because I have a right to know . You boys need somebody to look after you , and I 'm going to do it , for girls are nice peacemakers , and know how to manage people . Uncle said so , and he is never wrong . '' Steve was about to indulge in a derisive hoot at the idea of her looking after them , but a sudden thought restrained him , and suggested a way in which he could satisfy Rose , and better himself at the same time . `` What will you give me if I 'll tell you every bit about it ? '' he asked , with a sudden red in his cheeks and an uneasy look in his eyes , for he was half ashamed of the proposition . `` What do you want ? ''
and XXXXX looked up rather surprised at his question .
Botheration Charlie Dandy P'raps Rose Stenie comeliness peacemakers raps top-knot