Do n't tire her out with antics , Alec . Yes , sister , I 'm coming ! '' and the cabbage vanished suddenly . The first milking lesson was a droll one ; but after several scares and many vain attempts , Rose at last managed to fill her cup , while Ben held Clover 's tail so that it could not flap , and Dr. Alec kept her from turning to stare at the new milkmaid , who objected to both these proceedings very much . `` You look chilly in spite of all this laughing . Take a smart run round the garden and get up a glow , '' said the doctor , as they left the barn . `` I 'm too old for running , uncle ; Miss Power said it was not lady-like for girls in their teens , '' answered Rose , primly . `` I take the liberty of differing from Madame Prunes and Prisms , and , as your physician , I order you to run . Off with you ! '' said Uncle Alec , with a look and a gesture that made Rose scurry away as fast as she could go . Anxious to please him , she raced round the beds till she came back to the porch where he stood , and , dropping down upon the steps , she sat panting , with cheeks as rosy as the rigolette on her shoulders . `` Very well done , child ; I see you have not lost the use of your limbs though you are in your teens . That belt is too tight ; unfasten it , then you can take a long breath without panting so . '' `` It is n't tight , sir ; I can breathe perfectly well , '' began Rose , trying to compose herself . Her uncle 's only answer was to lift her up and unhook the new belt of which she was so proud . The moment the clasp was open the belt flew apart several inches , for it was impossible to restrain the involuntary sigh of relief that flatly contradicted her words . `` Why , I did n't know it was tight ! it did n't feel so a bit . Of course it would open if I puff like this , but I never do , because I hardly ever run , '' explained Rose , rather discomfited by this discovery . `` I see you do n't half fill your lungs , and so you can wear this absurd thing without feeling it .
The idea of cramping a tender little waist in a stiff band of leather and steel just when it ought to be growing , '' said Dr. Alec , surveying the belt with great disfavour as he put the XXXXX forward several holes , to Rose 's secret dismay , for she was proud of her slender figure , and daily rejoiced that she was n't as stout as Luly Miller , a former schoolmate , who vainly tried to repress her plumpness .
Alec Prisms Prunes clasp first flap left milkmaid rigolette scares