`` 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 Barkis by a sharp cut , and still more bewildered him by leaving him to his own guidance down the steep , stony road . The approach would have been a fine success if , just as Rose was about to pull up and salute , two or three distracted hens had not scuttled across the road with a great squawking , which caused Barkis to shy and stop so suddenly that his careless rider landed in an ignominious heap just under old Sorrel 's astonished nose . Rose was up again before Dr. Alec was out of the carryall , and threw two dusty arms about his neck crying with a breathless voice , `` O uncle , I 'm so glad to see you ! It is better than a cart-load of goodies , and so dear of you to come ! '' `` But are n't you hurt , child ! That was a rough tumble , and I 'm afraid you must be damaged somewhere , '' answered the Doctor , full of fond anxiety , as he surveyed his girl with pride . `` My feelings are hurt , but my bones are all safe . It 's too bad ! I was going to do it so nicely , and those stupid hens spoilt it all , '' said Rose , quite crestfallen , as well as much shaken . `` I could n't believe my eyes when I asked ` Where is Rose ? '
and XXXXX pointed to the little Amazon pelting down the hill at such a rate .
Alec Atkinson Doctor Giglamps Mac Rose birthdays carryall cart-load stealing