You promised to eat it , and you must ; not all at once , but as soon as you can , so I can make you some more . '' Dr. Alec solemnly cut off his favourite crusty slice , and solemnly ate it ; then wiped his lips , and brushing back Rose 's hair , solemnly kissed her on the forehead , saying , heartily , `` My dear , it is perfect bread , and you are an honour to your teacher . When we have our model school I shall offer a prize for the best bread , and you will get it . '' `` I 've got it already , and I 'm quite satisfied , '' said Rose , slipping into her seat , and trying to hide her right hand which had a burn on it . But Dr. Alec saw it , guessed how it came there , and after tea insisted on easing the pain which she would hardly confess . `` Aunt Clara says I am spoiling my hands , but I do n't care , for I 've had such good times with Aunt Plenty , and I think she has enjoyed it as much as I have . Only one thing troubles me , uncle , and I want to ask you about it , '' said Rose , as they paced up and down the hall in the twilight , the bandaged hand very carefully laid on Dr. Alec 's arm . `` More little confidences ? I like them immensely , so tell away , my dear . '' `` Well , you see I feel as if Aunt Peace would like to do something for me , and I 've found out what it can be . You know she ca n't go about like Aunty Plen , and we are so busy nowadays that she is rather lonely , I 'm afraid . So I want to take lessons in sewing of her . She works so beautifully , and it is a useful thing , you know , and I ought to be a good needlewoman as well as housekeeper , ought n't I ? '' `` Bless your kind little heart , that is what I was thinking of the other day when Aunt Peace said she saw you very seldom now , you were so busy I wanted to speak of it , but fancied you had as much on your hands as you could manage . It would delight the dear woman to teach you all her delicate handicraft , especially button-holes , for I believe that is where young ladies fail ; at least , I 've heard them say so . So , do you devote your mind to button-holes ; make 'em all over my clothes if you want something to practice on . I 'll wear any quantity . '' Rose laughed at this reckless offer , but promised to attend to that important branch , though she confessed that darning was her weak point . Whereupon Uncle Alec engaged to supply her with socks in all stages of dilapidation , and to have a new set at once , so that she could run the heels for him as a pleasant beginning . Then they went up to make their request in due form , to the great delight of gentle Aunt Peace , who got quite excited with the fun that went on while they would yarn , looked up darning needles , and fitted out a nice little mending basket for her pupil .
Very busy and very happy were XXXXX 's days now , for in the morning she went about the house with Aunt Plenty attending to linen-closets and store-rooms , pickling and preserving , exploring garret and cellar to see that all was right , and learning , in the good old-fashioned manner , to look well after the ways of the household .
Clara Plen Rose burn button-holes darning dilapidation handicraft needlewoman twilight