Dr. Alec saw the injured look she put on , but took no notice , and presently banished it by saying pleasantly , `` I 've got a capital little cup among my traps , and I 'll give it to you to drink your milk in , as it is made of wood that is supposed to improve whatever is put into it something like a quassia cup . That reminds me ; one of the boxes Phebe wanted to lug upstairs last night is for you . Knowing that I was coming home to find a ready-made daughter , I picked up all sorts of odd and pretty trifles along the way , hoping she would be able to find something she liked among them all . Early to-morrow we 'll have a grand rummage . Here 's our milk ! I propose the health of Miss Rose Campbell and drink it with all my heart . '' It was impossible for Rose to pout with the prospect of a delightful boxful of gifts dancing before her eyes ; so , in spite of herself , she smiled as she drank her own health , and found that fresh milk was not a hard dose to take . `` Now I must be off , before I am caught again with my wig in a toss , '' said Dr. Alec , preparing to descend the way he came . `` Do you always go in and out like a cat , uncle ? '' asked Rose , much amused at his odd ways . `` I used to sneak out of my window when I was a boy , so I need not disturb the aunts , and now I rather like it , for it 's the shortest road , and it keeps me limber when I have no rigging to climb . Good-bye till breakfast . '' And away he went down the water-spout , over the roof , and vanished among the budding honey-suckles below . `` Ai n't he a funny guardeen ? '' exclaimed Phebe , as she went off with the cups . `` He is a very kind one , I think , '' answered Rose , following , to prowl round the big boxes and try to guess which was hers . When her uncle appeared at sound of the bell , he found her surveying with an anxious face a new dish that smoked upon the table . `` Got a fresh trouble , Rosy ? '' he asked , stroking her smooth head . `` Uncle , are you going to make me eat oatmeal ? ''
asked XXXXX , in a tragic tone .
Alec Rose boxful guardeen honey-suckles night quassia rummage trifles water-spout