`` I do n't care a pin what they say if you do n't mind , uncle , '' she answered , when he pictured the dismay of the good ladies . `` Ah , it 's all very well to defy them , but you are getting so rampant , I 'm afraid you will defy me next , and then where are we ? '' `` No , I wo n't ! I should n't dare ; because you are my guardian , and can put me in a strait-jacket if you like ; '' and Rose laughed in his face , even while she nestled closer with a confiding gesture pleasant to see . `` Upon my word , Rosy , I begin to feel like the man who bought an elephant , and then did n't know what to do with him . I thought I had got a pet and plaything for years to come ; but here you are growing up like a bean-stalk , and I shall find I 've got a strong-minded little woman on my hands before I can turn round . There 's predicament for a man and an uncle ! '' Dr. Alec 's comic distress was mercifully relieved for the time being by a dance of goblins on the lawn , where the children , with pumpkin lanterns on their heads , frisked about like will-o ' - the-wisps , as a parting surprise . When Rose went to bed , she found that Uncle Alec had not forgotten her ; for on the table stood a delicate little easel , holding two miniatures set in velvet . She knew them both , and stood looking at them till her eyes brimmed over with tears that were both sweet and sad ; for they were the faces of her father and mother , beautifully copied from portraits fast fading away . Presently , she knelt down , and , putting her arms round the little shrine , kissed one after the other , saying with an earnest voice , `` I 'll truly try to make them glad to see me by and by . '' And that was Rose 's little prayer on the night of her fourteenth birthday . Two days later the Campbells went home , a larger party than when they came ; for Dr. Alec was escort and Kitty Comet was borne in state in a basket , with a bottle of milk , some tiny sandwiches , and a doll 's dish to drink out of , as well as a bit of carpet to lie on in her palace car , out of which she kept popping her head in the most fascinating manner . There was a great kissing and cuddling , waving of handkerchiefs , and last good-byes , as they went ; and when they had started , Mother Atkinson came running after them , to tuck in some little pies , hot from the oven , `` for the dears , who might get tired of bread and butter during that long day 's travel . '' Another start , and another halt ; for the Snow children came shrieking up to demand the three kittens that Pokey was cooly carrying off in a travelling bag . The unhappy kits were rescued , half smothered , and restored to their lawful owners , amid dire lamentation from the little kidnapper , who declared that she only `` tooked um 'cause they 'd want to go wid their sister Tomit . '' Start number three and stoppage number three , as Frank hailed them with the luncheon basket , which had been forgotten , after everyone had protested that it was safely in . All went well after that , and the long journey was pleasantly beguiled by Pokey and Pussy , who played together so prettily that they were considered public benefactors . `` Rose does n't want to go home , for she knows the aunts wo n't let her rampage as she did up at Cosey Corner , '' said Mac , as they approached the old house . `` I ca n't rampage if I want to for a time , at least ; and I 'll tell you why .
I sprained my ankle when I tumbled off of Barkis , and it gets worse and worse ; though I 've done all I know to cure it and hide it , so it should n't trouble anyone , '' whispered XXXXX , knitting her brows with pain , as she prepared to descend , wishing her uncle would take her instead of her bundles .
Corner Pokey Rose bean-stalk benefactors fourteenth goblins night strait-jacket wid