And she held on to it as if the mere memory of the `` jumble '' made it swim . `` Yet that is considered an excellent school , I find , and I dare say it would be if the benighted lady did not think it necessary to cram her pupils like Thanks-giving turkeys , instead of feeding them in a natural and wholesome way . It is the fault with most American schools , and the poor little heads will go on aching till we learn better . '' This was one of Dr. Alec 's hobbies , and Rose was afraid he was off for a gallop , but he reined himself in and gave her thoughts a new turn by saying suddenly , as he pulled out a fat pocket-book , `` Uncle Mac has put all your affairs into my hands now , and here is your month 's pocket money . You keep your own little accounts , I suppose ? '' `` Thank you . Yes , Uncle Mac gave me an account book when I went to school , and I used to put down my expenses , but I could n't make them go very well , for figures are the one thing I am not at all clever about , '' said Rose , rummaging in her desk for a dilapidated little book , which she was ashamed to show when she found it . `` Well , as figures are rather important things to most of us , and you may have a good many accounts to keep some day , would n't it be wise to begin at once and learn to manage your pennies before the pounds come to perplex you ? '' `` I thought you would do all that fussy part and take care of the pounds , as you call them . Need I worry about it ? I do hate sums , so ! '' `` I shall take care of things till you are of age , but I mean that you shall know how your property is managed , and do as much of it as you can by and by ; then you wo n't be dependent on the honesty of other people . '' `` Gracious me ! as if I would n't trust you with millions of billions if I had them , '' cried Rose , scandalised at the mere suggestion . `` Ah , but I might be tempted ; guardians are sometimes ; so you 'd better keep your eye on me , and in order to do that you must learn all about these affairs , '' answered Dr. Alec , as he made an entry in his own very neat account-book . Rose peeped over his shoulder at it , and then turned to the arithmetical puzzle in her hand with a sigh of despair . `` Uncle , when you add up your expenses do you ever find you have got more money than you had in the beginning ? '' `` No ; I usually find that I have a good deal less than I had in the beginning . Are you troubled in the peculiar way you mention ? '' `` Yes ; it is very curious , but I never can make things come out square . ''
`` Perhaps I can help you , '' began Uncle XXXXX , in the most respectful tone .
Alec American Mac Rose account-book accounts day month pocket-book square