Whatever danger there might have been from the effects of thatsudden chill, it was soon over, though, of course, Aunt Myrarefused to believe it, and Dr. Alec cherished his girl withredoubled vigilance and tenderness for months afterward1. Rosequite enjoyed being sick, because as soon as the pain ended the funbegan, and for a week or two she led the life of a little princesssecluded in the Bower2, while every one served, amused, andwatched over her in the most delightful3 manner. But the doctorwas called away to see an old friend, who was dangerously ill, andthen Rose felt like a young bird deprived of its mother's shelteringwing; especially on one afternoon when the aunts were taking theirnaps, and the house was very still within while snow fell softlywithout.
"I'll go and hunt up Phebe, she is always nice and busy, and likes tohave me help her. If Dolly is out of the way we can make caramelsand surprise the boys when they come," Rose said to herself, as shethrew down her book and felt ready for society of some sort.
She took the precaution to peep through the slide before sheentered the kitchen, for Dolly allowed no messing when she wasround. But the coast was clear, and no one but Phebe appeared,sitting at the table with her head on her arms apparently4 asleep.
Rose was just about to wake her with a "Boo!" when she lifted herhead, dried her wet eyes with her blue apron5, and fell to work witha resolute6 face on something she was evidently much interested in.
Rose could not make out what it was, and her curiosity was greatlyexcited, for Phebe was writing with a sputtering7 pen on some bitsof brown paper, apparently copying something from a little book.
"I must know what the dear thing is about, and why she cried, andthen set her lips tight and went to work with all her might,"thought Rose, forgetting all about the caramels, and, going roundto the door, she entered the kitchen, saying pleasantly"Phebe, I want something to do. Can't you let me help you aboutanything, or shall I be in the way?""Oh, dear no, miss; I always love to have you round when thingsare tidy. What would you like to do?" answered Phebe, opening adrawer as if about to sweep her own affairs out of sight; but Rosestopped her, exclaiming, like a curious child"Let me see! What is it? I won't tell if you'd rather not have Dollyknow.""I'm only trying to study a bit; but I'm so stupid I don't get onmuch," answered the girl reluctantly, permitting her little mistressto examine the poor contrivances she was trying to work with.
A broken slate8 that had blown off the roof, an inch or two ofpencil, an old almanac for a reader, several bits of brown or yellowpaper ironed smoothly9 and sewn together for a copy-book, and thecopies sundry10 receipts written in Aunt Plenty's neat hand. These,with a small bottle of ink and a rusty11 pen, made up Phebe's outfit12,and it was little wonder that she did not "get on" in spite of thepatient persistence13 that dried the desponding tears and drove alongthe sputtering pen with a will.
"You may laugh if you want to, Miss Rose, I know my things arequeer, and that's why I hide 'em; but I don't mind since you'vefound me out, and I ain't a bit ashamed except of being sobackward at my age," said Phebe humbly14, though her cheeks grewredder as she washed out some crooked15 capitals with a tear or twonot yet dried upon the slate.
"Laugh at you! I feel more like crying to think what a selfish girl Iam, to have loads of books and things and never remember to giveyou some. Why didn't you come and ask me, and not go strugglingalong alone in this way? It was very wrong of you, Phebe, and I'llnever forgive you if you do so again," answered Rose, with onehand on Phebe's shoulder, while the other gently turned the leavesof the poor little copy-book.
"I didn't like to ask for anything more when you are so good to meall the time, miss, dear," began Phebe, looking up with gratefuleyes.
"O you proud thing! just as if it wasn't fun to give away, and I hadthe best of it. Now, see here, I've got a plan and you mustn't say no,or I shall scold. I want something to do, and I'm going to teach youall I know; it won't take long," and Rose laughed as she put herarm around Phebe's neck, and patted the smooth dark head withthe kind little hand that so loved to give.
"It would be just heavenly!" and Phebe's face shone at the mereidea; but fell again as she added wistfully, "Only I'm afraid I oughtnot to let you do it, Miss Rose. It will take time, and maybe theDoctor wouldn't like it.""He didn't want me to study much, but he never said a word aboutteaching, and I don't believe he will mind a bit. Anyway, we cantry it till he comes, so pack up your things and go right to my roomand we'll begin this very day; I'd truly like to do it, and we'll havenice times, see if we don't!" cried Rose eagerly.
It was a pretty sight to see Phebe bundle her humble16 outfit into herapron, and spring up as if the desire of her heart had suddenly beenmade a happy fact to her; it was a still prettier sight to see Roserun gaily17 on before, smiling like a good fairy as she beckoned18 tothe other, singing as she went"The way into my parlour is up a winding19 stair,And many are the curious things I'll show you when you're there.
Will you, will you walk in, Phebe dear?""Oh, won't I!" answered Phebe fervently20, adding, as they enteredthe Bower, "You are the dearest spider that ever was, and I'm thehappiest fly.""I'm going to be very strict, so sit down in that chair and don't say aword till school is ready to open," ordered Rose, delighted with theprospect of such a useful and pleasant "something to do."So Phebe sat demurely22 in her place while her new teacher laidforth books and slates23, a pretty inkstand and a little globe; hastilytore a bit off her big sponge, sharpened pencils with more energythan skill, and when all was ready gave a prance24 of satisfactionthat set the pupil laughing.
"Now the school is open, and I shall hear you read, so that I mayknow in which class to put you, Miss Moore," began Rose withgreat dignity, as she laid a book before her scholar, and sat downin the easy chair with a long rule in her hand.
Phebe did pretty well, only tripping now and then over a hardword, and pronouncing identical "identickle," in a sober way thattickled Rose, though never a smile betrayed her. The spellinglesson which followed was rather discouraging; Phebe's ideas ofgeography were very vague, and grammar was nowhere, thoughthe pupil protested that she tried so hard to "talk nice like educatedfolks" that Dolly called her "a stuck-up piece who didn't know herplace.""Dolly's an old goose, so don't you mind her, for she will say'nater,' 'vittles,' and 'doos' as long as she lives, and insist that theyare right. You do talk very nicely, Phebe, I've observed it, andgrammar will help you, and show you some things are right andothers ain't are not, I mean," added Rose, correcting herself, andfeeling that she must mind her own parts of speech if she was toserve as an example for Phebe.
When the arithmetic came, the little teacher was surprised to findher scholar quicker in some things than herself, for Phebe hadworked away at the columns in the butcher's and baker's books tillshe could add so quickly and correctly that Rose was amazed, andfelt that in this branch the pupil would soon excel the teacher ifshe kept on at the same pace. Her praise cheered Phebeimmensely, and they went bravely on, both getting so interestedthat time flew unheeded till Aunt Plenty appeared, exclaiming, asshe stared at the two heads bent25 over one slate"Bless my heart, what is going on now?""School, aunty. I'm teaching Phebe, and it's great fun!" cried Rose,looking up with a bright face.
But Phebe's was brighter, though she added with a wistful look"Maybe I ought to have asked leave first; only when Miss Roseproposed this, I was so happy I forgot to. Shall I stop, ma'am?""Of course not, child; I'm glad to see you fond of your book, and tofind Rose helping26 you along. My blessed mother used to sit atwork with her maids about her, teaching them many a useful thingin the good old fashion that's gone by now. Only don't neglect yourwork, dear, or let the books interfere27 with the duties."As Aunt Plenty spoke28, with her kind old face beaming approvinglyupon the girls, Phebe glanced at the clock, saw that it pointed29 tofive, knew that Dolly would soon be down, expecting to findpreparations for supper under way, and, hastily dropping herpencil, she jumped up, saying"Please, can I go? I'll clear up after I've done my chores.""School is dismissed," answered Rose, and with a grateful "Thankyou, heaps and heaps!" Phebe ran away singing the multiplicationtable as she set the tea ditto.
That was the way it began, and for a week the class of one went onwith great pleasure and profit to all concerned; for the pupilproved a bright one, and came to her lessons as to a feast, whilethe young teacher did her best to be worthy30 the high opinion heldof her, for Phebe firmly believed that Miss Rose knew everythingin the way of learning.
Of course the lads found out what was going on, and chaffed thegirls about the "Seminary," as they called the new enterprise; butthey thought it a good thing on the whole, kindly31 offered to givelessons in Greek and Latin gratis32, and decided33 among themselvesthat "Rose was a little trump34 to give the Phebe-bird such a capitalboost."Rose herself had some doubts as to how it would strike her uncle,and concocted35 a wheedlesome speech which should at onceconvince him that it was the most useful, wholesome36, anddelightful plan ever devised. But she got no chance to deliver heraddress, for Dr. Alec came upon her so unexpectedly that it wentout of her head entirely37. She was sitting on the floor in the library,poring over a big book laid open in her lap, and knew nothing ofthe long-desired arrival till two large, warm hands met under herchin and gently turned her head back, so that someone could kissher heartily38 on either cheek, while a fatherly voice said, halfreproachfully, "Why is my girl brooding over a dusty Encyclopediawhen she ought to be running to meet the old gentleman whocouldn't get on another minute without her?""O uncle! I'm so glad! and so sorry! Why didn't you let us knowwhat time you'd be here, or call out the minute you came? Haven'tI been home-sick for you? and now I'm so happy to have you backI could hug your dear old curly head off," cried Rose, as theEncyclopedia went down with a bang, and she up with a springthat carried her into Dr. Alec's arms, to be kept there in the sort ofembrace a man gives to the dearest creature the world holds forhim.
Presently he was in his easy chair with Rose upon his knee smilingup in his face and talking as fast as her tongue could go, while hewatched her with an expression of supreme39 content, as he strokedthe smooth round cheek, or held the little hand in his, rejoicing tosee how rosy40 was the one, how plump and strong the other.
"Have you had a good time? Did you save the poor lady? Aren'tyou glad to be home again with your girl to torment41 you?""Yes, to all those questions. Now tell me what you've been at, littlesinner? Aunty Plen says you want to consult me about some newand remarkable42 project which you have dared to start in myabsence.""She didn't tell you, I hope?""Not a word more expect that you were rather doubtful how I'dtake it, and so wanted to 'fess' yourself and get round me as youalways try to do, though you don't often succeed. Now, then, ownup and take the consequences."So Rose told about her school in her pretty, earnest way, dwellingon Phebe's hunger for knowledge, and the delight it was to helpher, adding, with a wise nod"And it helps me too, uncle, for she is so quick and eager I have todo my best or she will get ahead of me in some things. To-day,now, she had the word 'cotton' in a lesson and asked all about it,and I was ashamed to find I really knew so little that I could onlysay that it was a plant that grew down South in a kind of a pod, andwas made into cloth. That's what I was reading up when you came,and to-morrow I shall tell her all about it, and indigo43 too. So yousee it teaches me also, and is as good as a general review of whatI've learned, in a pleasanter way than going over it alone.""You artful little baggage! that's the way you expect to get roundme, is it? That's not studying, I suppose?""No, sir, it's teaching; and please, I like it much better than havinga good time by myself. Besides, you know, I adopted Phebe andpromised to be a sister to her, so I am bound to keep my word, amI not?" answered Rose, looking both anxious and resolute as shewaited for her sentence.
Dr. Alec was evidently already won, for Rose had described theold slate and brown paper copy-book with pathetic effect, and theexcellent man had not only decided to send Phebe to school longbefore the story was done, but reproached himself for forgettinghis duty to one little girl in his love for another. So when Rosetried to look meek44 and failed utterly45, he laughed and pinched hercheek, and answered in that genial46 way which adds such warmthand grace to any favour"I haven't the slightest objection in the world. In fact, I wasbeginning to think I might let you go at your books again,moderately, since you are so well; and this is an excellent way totry your powers. Phebe is a brave, bright lass, and shall have a fairchance in the world, if we can give it to her, so that if she everfinds her friends they need not be ashamed of her.""I think she has found some already," began Rose eagerly.
"Hey? what? has anyone turned up since I've been gone?" askedDr. Alec quickly, for it was a firm belief in the family that Phebewould prove to be "somebody" sooner or later.
"No, her best friend turned up when you came home, uncle,"answered Rose with an approving pat, adding gratefully, "I can'thalf thank you for being so good to my girl, but she will, because Iknow she is going to make a woman to be proud of, she's so strongand true, and loving.""Bless your dear heart, I haven't begun to do anything yet, moreshame to me! But I'm going at it now, and as soon as she gets on abit, she shall go to school as long as she likes. How will that do fora beginning?""It will be 'just heavenly,' as Phebe says, for it is the wish of herlife to 'get lots of schooling47,' and she will be too happy when I tellher. May I, please? it will be so lovely to see the dear thing openher big eyes and clap her hands at the splendid news.""No one shall have a finger in this nice little pie; you shall do it allyourself, only don't go too fast, or make too many castles in the air,my dear; for time and patience must go into this pie of ours if it isto turn out well.""Yes, uncle, only when it is opened won't 'the birds begin to sing?"'
laughed Rose, taking a turn about the room as a vent21 for the joyfulemotions that made her eyes shine. All of a sudden she stoppedand asked soberly"If Phebe goes to school who will do her work? I'm willing, if Ican.""Come here and I'll tell you a secret. Dolly's 'bones' are getting sotroublesome, and her dear old temper so bad, that the aunts havedecided to pension her off and let her go and live with herdaughter, who has married very well. I saw her this week, andshe'd like to have her mother come, so in the spring we shall havea grand change, and get a new cook and chamber-girl if any can befound to suit our honoured relatives.""Oh, me! how can I ever get on without Phebe? Couldn't she stay,just so I could see her? I'd pay her board rather than have her go,I'm so fond of her."How Dr. Alec laughed at that proposal, and how satisfied Rosewas when he explained that Phebe was still to be her maid, with noduties except such as she could easily perform betweenschool-hours.
"She is a proud creature, for all her humble ways, and even fromus would not take a favour if she did not earn it somewhere. Sothis arrangement makes it all square and comfortable, you see, andshe will pay for the schooling by curling these goldilocks a dozentimes a day if you let her.""Your plans are always so wise and kind! That's why they work sowell, I suppose, and why people let you do what you like withthem. I really don't see how other girls get along without an UncleAlec!" answered Rose, with a sigh of pity for those who hadmissed so great a blessing48.
When Phebe was told the splendid news, she did not "stand on herhead with rapture," as Charlie prophesied49 she would, but took itquietly, because it was such a happy thing she had no words "bigand beautiful enough to thank them in," she said; but every hour ofher day was brightened by this granted wish, and dedicated50 to theservice of those who gave it.
Her heart was so full of content that if overflowed51 in music, andthe sweet voice singing all about the house gave thanks so blithelythat no other words were needed. Her willing feet were never tiredof taking steps for those who had smoothed her way; her skilfulhands were always busy in some labour of love for them, and onthe face fast growing in comeliness52 there was an almost womanlyexpression of devotion, which proved how well Phebe had alreadylearned one of life's great lessons gratitude53.
收听单词发音 |
1
afterward
|
|
| adv.后来；以后 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
bower
|
|
| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
apron
|
|
| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
resolute
|
|
| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
sputtering
|
|
| n.反应溅射法；飞溅；阴极真空喷镀；喷射v.唾沫飞溅( sputter的现在分词 )；发劈啪声；喷出；飞溅出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
slate
|
|
| n.板岩，石板，石片，石板色，候选人名单；adj.暗蓝灰色的，含板岩的；vt.用石板覆盖，痛打，提名，预订 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
smoothly
|
|
| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
sundry
|
|
| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
rusty
|
|
| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
outfit
|
|
| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
persistence
|
|
| n.坚持，持续，存留 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
humbly
|
|
| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
crooked
|
|
| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
humble
|
|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
gaily
|
|
| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
beckoned
|
|
| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
winding
|
|
| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
fervently
|
|
| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
vent
|
|
| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
demurely
|
|
| adv.装成端庄地，认真地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
slates
|
|
| （旧时学生用以写字的）石板( slate的名词复数 )； 板岩； 石板瓦； 石板色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
prance
|
|
| v.（马）腾跃，(人)神气活现地走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
bent
|
|
| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
helping
|
|
| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
interfere
|
|
| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
spoke
|
|
| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
kindly
|
|
| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
gratis
|
|
| adj.免费的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
trump
|
|
| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
concocted
|
|
| v.将（尤指通常不相配合的）成分混合成某物( concoct的过去式和过去分词 )；调制；编造；捏造 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
wholesome
|
|
| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
heartily
|
|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
supreme
|
|
| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
rosy
|
|
| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
torment
|
|
| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
indigo
|
|
| n.靛青，靛蓝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
meek
|
|
| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
utterly
|
|
| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
genial
|
|
| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
schooling
|
|
| n.教育；正规学校教育 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
blessing
|
|
| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
prophesied
|
|
| v.预告，预言( prophesy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
dedicated
|
|
| adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
overflowed
|
|
| 溢出的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
comeliness
|
|
| n. 清秀, 美丽, 合宜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
gratitude
|
|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |