she will be here directly , and then we will settle the question for another year . A most important year , mind you , for she has got a good start , and will blossom rapidly now if all goes well with her . So I beg of you do n't undo my work , but deal very wisely and gently with my little girl , for if any harm come to her , I think it would break my heart . '' As he spoke , Dr. Alec turned his back abruptly and affected to be examining the pictures again ; but the aunts understood how dear the child was to the solitary man who had loved her mother years ago , and who now found his happiness in cherishing the little Rose who was so like her . The good ladies nodded and sighed , and telegraphed to one another that none of them would complain if not chosen , or ever try to rob Brother Alec of his `` Heart 's Delight , '' as the boys called Rose . Just then a pleasant sound of happy voices came up from the garden , and smiles broke out on all serious faces . Dr. Alec turned at once , saying , as he threw back his head , `` There she is ; now for it ! '' The cousins had been a-Maying , and soon came flocking in laden with the spoils . `` Here is our bonny Scotch rose with all her thorns about her , '' said Dr. Alec , surveying her with unusual pride and tenderness , as she went to show Aunt Peace her basket full of early flowers , fresh leaves , and curious lichens . `` Leave your clutter in the hall , boys , and sit quietly down if you choose to stop here , for we are busy , '' said Aunt Plenty , shaking her finger at the turbulent Clan , who were bubbling over with the jollity born of spring sunshine and healthy exercise . `` Of course , we choose to stay ! Would n't miss our Saturday high tea for anything , '' said the Chief , as he restored order among his men with a nod , a word , and an occasional shake . `` What is up ? a court-martial ? '' asked Charlie , looking at the assembled ladies with affected awe and real curiosity , for these faces betrayed that some interesting business was afloat . Dr. Alec explained in a few words , which he made as brief and calm as he could ; but the effect was exciting , nevertheless , for each of the lads began at once to bribe , entice , and wheedle `` our cousin '' to choose his home . `` You really ought to come to us for mother 's sake , as a relish , you know , for she must be perfectly satiated with boys , '' began Archie , using the strongest argument he could think of at the moment . `` Oh , do ! we 'll never slam , or bounce at you or call you ` fraid cat , ' if you only will , '' besought Geordie and Will , distorting their countenances in the attempt to smile with overpowering sweetness . `` And I 'll always wash my hands ` fore I touch you , and you shall be my dolly , 'cause Pokey 's gone away , and I 'll love you hard , '' cried Jamie , clinging to her with his chubby face full of affection .
`` Brothers and sister ought to live together ; especially when the brother needs some one to make home pleasant for him , '' added XXXXX , with the wheedlesome tone and look that Rose always found so difficult to resist .
Alec Charlie Chief Jamie Pokey Scotch clutter jollity lichens year