`` I guess I do like it ! and cried because no one was ever so good to me before , and I could n't help it . As for patronising , you may walk on me if you want to , and I wo n't mind , '' said Phebe , in a burst of gratitude , for the words , `` we are sisters '' went straight to her lonely heart and nestled there . `` Well , now , we can play I 'm a good sprite out of the box , or , what is better , a fairy godmother come down the chimney , and you are Cinderella , and must say what you want , '' said Rose , trying to put the question delicately . Phebe understood that , for she had a good deal of natural refinement , though she did come from the poor-house . `` I do n't feel as if I wanted anything now , Miss Rose , but to find some way of thanking you for all you 've done , '' she said , rubbing off a tear that went rolling down the bridge of her nose in the most unromantic way . `` Why , I have n't done anything but given you a bit of candy ! Here , have some more , and eat 'em while you work , and think what I can do . I must go and clear up , so good-bye , and do n't forget I 've adopted you . '' `` You 've given me sweeter things than candy , and I 'm not likely to forget it . '' And carefully wiping off the brick-dust , Phebe pressed the little hand Rose offered warmly in both her hard ones , while the black eyes followed the departing visitor with a grateful look that made them very soft and bright . Chapter 6 -- Uncle Alec 's Room Soon after dinner , and before she had got acquainted with half her new possessions , Dr. Alec proposed a drive , to carry round the first instalment of gifts to the aunts and cousins . Rose was quite ready to go , being anxious to try a certain soft burnous from the box , which not only possessed a most engaging little hood , but had funny tassels bobbing in all directions . The big carriage was full of parcels , and even Ben 's seat was loaded with Indian war clubs , a Chinese kite of immense size , and a pair of polished ox-horns from Africa . Uncle Alec , very blue as to his clothes , and very brown as to his face , sat bolt upright , surveying well known places with interest , while Rose , feeling unusually elegant and comfortable , leaned back folded in her soft mantle , and played she was an Eastern princess making a royal progress among her subjects . At three of the places their calls were brief , for Aunt Myra 's catarrh was unusually bad ; Aunt Clara had a room full of company ; and Aunt Jane showed such a tendency to discuss the population , productions , and politics of Europe , Asia and Africa , that even Dr. Alec was dismayed , and got away as soon as possible . `` Now we will have a good time ! I do hope the boys will be at home , '' said Rose , with a sigh of relief , as they wound yet higher up the hill to Aunt Jessie 's . `` I left this for the last call , so that we might find the lads just in from school . Yes , there is Jamie on the gate watching for us ; now you 'll see the Clan gather ; they are always swarming about together . ''
The instant XXXXX saw the approaching guests he gave a shrill whistle , which was answered by echoes from meadow , house and barn , as the cousins came running from all directions , shouting , `` Hooray for Uncle Alec ! ''
Chinese Clan Clara Jamie Rose Soon brick-dust catarrh left poor-house