I must beguile her gently and pleasantly along till I 've won her confidence , and then she will be ready for anything . '' Just then Phebe came out of the dining-room with a plate of brown bread , for Rose had been allowed no hot biscuit for tea . `` I 'll relieve you of some of that , '' said Dr. Alec , and , helping himself to a generous slice , he retired to the study , leaving Phebe to wonder at his appetite . She would have wondered still more if she had seen him making that brown bread into neat little pills , which he packed into an attractive ivory box , out of which he emptied his own bits of lovage . `` There ! if they insist on medicine , I 'll order these , and no harm will be done . I will have my own way , but I 'll keep the peace , if possible , and confess the joke when my experiment has succeeded , '' he said to himself , looking very much like a mischievous boy , as he went on with his innocent prescriptions . Rose was playing softly on the small organ that stood in the upper hall , so that Aunt Peace could enjoy it ; and all the while he talked with the old ladies , Uncle Alec was listening to the fitful music of the child , and thinking of another Rose who used to play for him . As the clock struck eight , he called out , `` Time for my girl to be abed , else she wo n't be up early , and I 'm full of jolly plans for to-morrow . Come and see what I 've found for you to begin upon . '' Rose ran in and listened with bright attentive face , while Dr. Alec said impressively , `` In my wanderings over the face of the earth , I have picked up some excellent remedies , and , as they are rather agreeable ones , I think you and I will try them . This is a herb-pillow , given to me by a wise old woman when I was ill in India . It is filled with saffron , poppies , and other soothing plants ; so lay your little head on it to-night , sleep sweetly without a dream , and wake to-morrow without a pain . '' `` Shall I really ? How nice it smells . '' And Rose willingly received the pretty pillow , and stood enjoying its faint , sweet odour , as she listened to the doctor 's next remedy . `` This is the cup I told you of . Its virtue depends , they say , on the drinker filling it himself ; so you must learn to milk . I 'll teach you . '' `` I 'm afraid I never can , '' said Rose ; but she surveyed the cup with favour , for a funny little imp danced on the handle , as if all ready to take a header into the white sea below .
`` Do n't you think she ought to have something more strengthening than milk , XXXXX ?
Alec India Phebe Rose appetite confidence herb-pillow imp lovage odour