If Dolly is out of the way we can make caramels and surprise the boys when they come , '' Rose said to herself , as she threw down her book and felt ready for society of some sort . She took the precaution to peep through the slide before she entered the kitchen , for Dolly allowed no messing when she was round . But the coast was clear , and no one but Phebe appeared , sitting at the table with her head on her arms apparently asleep . Rose was just about to wake her with a `` Boo ! '' when she lifted her head , dried her wet eyes with her blue apron , and fell to work with a resolute face on something she was evidently much interested in . Rose could not make out what it was , and her curiosity was greatly excited , for Phebe was writing with a sputtering pen on some bits of brown paper , apparently copying something from a little book . `` I must know what the dear thing is about , and why she cried , and then set her lips tight and went to work with all her might , '' thought Rose , forgetting all about the caramels , and , going round to the door , she entered the kitchen , saying pleasantly , `` Phebe , I want something to do . Ca n't you let me help you about anything , or shall I be in the way ? '' `` Oh , dear no , miss ; I always love to have you round when things are tidy . What would you like to do ? '' answered Phebe , opening a drawer as if about to sweep her own affairs out of sight ; but Rose stopped her , exclaiming , like a curious child , `` Let me see ! What is it ? I wo n't tell if you 'd rather not have Dolly know . '' `` I 'm only trying to study a bit ; but I 'm so stupid I do n't get on much , '' answered the girl reluctantly , permitting her little mistress to examine the poor contrivances she was trying to work with . A broken slate that had blown off the roof , an inch or two of pencil , an old almanac for a reader , several bits of brown or yellow paper ironed smoothly and sewn together for a copy-book , and the copies sundry receipts written in Aunt Plenty 's neat hand . These , with a small bottle of ink and a rusty pen , made up Phebe 's outfit , and it was little wonder that she did not `` get on '' in spite of the patient persistence that dried the desponding tears and drove along the sputtering pen with a will . `` You may laugh if you want to , Miss Rose , I know my things are queer , and that 's why I hide 'em ; but I do n't mind since you 've found me out , and I ai n't a bit ashamed except of being so backward at my age , '' said Phebe humbly , though her cheeks grew redder as she washed out some crooked capitals with a tear or two not yet dried upon the slate . `` Laugh at you ! I feel more like crying to think what a selfish girl I am , to have loads of books and things and never remember to give you some . Why did n't you come and ask me , and not go struggling along alone in this way ?
It was very wrong of you , Phebe , and I 'll never forgive you if you do so again , '' answered Rose , with one hand on Phebe 's shoulder , while the other gently turned the leaves of the poor little XXXXX .
Ca Dolly Phebe Rose caramels copy-book eyes lips one something