I 'm much obliged to auntie , but I 'll keep this , please . '' Rose spoke gently but decidedly , though there was a look of regret when her eye fell on the other suit which Phebe had brought in ; and it was very natural to like to look as other girls did . Aunt Clara sighed ; Uncle Alec smiled , and said heartily , `` Thank you , dear ; now read this book and you will understand why I ask it of you . Then , if you like , I 'll give you a new lesson ; you asked for one yesterday , and this is more necessary than French or housekeeping . '' `` Oh , what ? '' and Rose caught up the book which Mrs. Clara had thrown down with a disgusted look . Though Dr. Alec was forty , the boyish love of teasing was not yet dead in him , and , being much elated at his victory , he could not resist the temptation of shocking Mrs. Clara by suggesting dreadful possibilities , so he answered , half in earnest , half in jest , `` Physiology , Rose . Would n't you like to be a little medical student , with Uncle Doctor for teacher , and be ready to take up his practice when he has to stop ? If you agree , I 'll hunt up my old skeleton to-morrow . '' That was too much for Aunt Clara , and she hastily departed , with her mind in a sad state of perturbation about Mrs. Van Tassel 's new costume and Rose 's new study . Chapter 19 -- Brother Bones Rose accepted her uncle 's offer , as Aunt Myra discovered two or three days later . Coming in for an early call , and hearing voices in the study , she opened the door , gave a cry and shut it quickly , looking a good deal startled . The Doctor appeared in a moment , and begged to know what the matter was . `` How can you ask when that long box looks so like a coffin I thought it was one , and that dreadful thing stared me in the face as I opened the door , '' answered Mrs. Myra , pointing to the skeleton that hung from the chandelier cheerfully grinning at all beholders . `` This is a medical college where women are freely admitted , so walk in , madam , and join the class if you 'll do me the honour , '' said the Doctor , waving her forward with his politest bow . `` Do , auntie , it 's perfectly splendid , '' cried Rose 's voice , and Rose 's blooming face was seen behind the ribs of the skeleton , smiling and nodding in the gayest possible manner . `` What are you doing , child ? '' demanded Aunt Myra , dropping into a chair and staring about her . `` Oh , I 'm learning bones to-day , and I like it so much . There are twelve ribs , you know , and the two lower ones are called floating ribs , because they are not fastened to the breastbone .
That 's why they go in so easily if you lace tight and squeeze the lungs and heart in the let me see , what was that big word oh , I know thoracic cavity , '' and XXXXX beamed with pride as she aired her little bit of knowledge .
Alec Clara Doctor French Myra Phebe Rose Tassel beholders breastbone