"Uncle, I have discovered what girls are made for," said Rose, theday after the reconciliation1 of Archie and the Prince.
"Well, my dear, what is it?" asked Dr. Alec, who was "planking thedeck," as he called his daily promenade2 up and down the hall.
"To take care of boys," answered Rose, quite beaming withsatisfaction as she spoke3. "Phebe laughed when I told her, and saidshe thought girls had better learn to take care of themselves first.
But that's because she hasn't got seven boy-cousins as I have.""She is right, nevertheless, Rosy4, and so are you, for the two thingsgo together, and in helping5 seven lads you are unconsciously doingmuch to improve one lass," said Dr. Alec, stopping to nod andsmile at the bright-faced figure resting on the old bamboo chair,after a lively game of battledore and shuttlecock, in place of a runwhich a storm prevented.
"Am I? I'm glad of that; but really, uncle, I do feel as if I must takecare of the boys, for they come to me in all sorts of troubles, andask advice, and I like it so much. Only I don't always know what todo, and I'm going to consult you privately6 and then surprise themwith my wisdom.""All right, my dear; what's the first worry? I see you havesomething on your little mind, so come and tell uncle."Rose put her arm in his, and, pacing to and fro, told him all aboutCharlie, asking what she could do to keep him straight, and be areal sister to him.
"Could you make up your mind to go and stay with Aunt Clara amonth?" asked the Doctor, when she ended.
"Yes, sir; but I shouldn't like it. Do you really want me to go?""The best cure for Charlie is a daily dose of Rose water, or Roseand water, or Rose and water; will you go and see that he takes it?"laughed Dr. Alec.
"You mean that if I'm there and try to make it pleasant, he will stayat home and keep out of mischief7?""Exactly.""But could I make it pleasant? He would want the boys.""No danger but he'd have the boys, for they swarm8 after you likebees after their queen. Haven't you found that out?""Aunt Plen often says they never used to be here half so muchbefore I came, but I never thought I made the difference, it seemedso natural to have them round.""Little modesty9 doesn't know what a magnet she is; but she willfind it out some day," and the Doctor softly stroked the cheek thathad grown rosy with pleasure at the thought of being so muchloved. "Now, you see, if I move the magnet to Aunt Clara's, thelads will go there as sure as iron to steel, and Charlie will be sohappy at home he won't care for these mischievous10 mates of his Ihope," added the Doctor, well knowing how hard it was to wean aseventeen-year-old boy from his first taste of what is called "seeinglife," which, alas11! often ends in seeing death.
"I'll go, uncle, right away! Aunt Clara is always asking me, andwill be glad to get me. I shall have to dress and dine late, and seelots of company, and be very fashionable, but I'll try not to let ithurt me; and if I get in a puzzle or worried about anything I canrun to you," answered Rose, good-will conquering timidity.
So it was decided12, and without saying much about the real reasonfor this visit, Rose was transplanted to Aunt Clara's, feeling thatshe had a work to do, and very eager to do it well.
Dr. Alec was right about the bees, for the boys did follow theirqueen, and astonished Mrs. Clara by their sudden assiduity inmaking calls, dropping in to dinner, and getting up evening frolics.
Charlie was a devoted13 host, and tried to show his gratitude14 bybeing very kind to his "little sister," for he guessed why she came,and his heart was touched by her artless endeavours to "help himbe good."Rose often longed to be back in the old house with the simplerpleasures and more useful duties of the life there; but, havingmade up her mind, in spite of Phebe, that "girls were made to takecare of boys," here motherly little soul found much to enjoy in thenew task she had undertaken.
It was a pretty sight to see the one earnest, sweet-faced girl amongthe flock of tall lads, trying to understand, to help and please themwith a patient affection that worked many a small miracleunperceived. Slang, rough manners, and careless habits werebanished or bettered by the presence of a little gentlewoman; andall the manly16 virtues17 cropping up were encouraged by the heartyadmiration bestowed18 upon them by one whose good opinion allvalued more than they confessed; while Rose tried to imitate thegood qualities she praised in them, to put away her girlish vanitiesand fears, to be strong and just, and frank and brave, as well asmodest, kind, and beautiful.
This trial worked so well that when the month was over, Mac andSteve demanded a visit in their turn, and Rose went, feeling thatshe would like to hear grim Aunt Jane say, as Aunt Clara did atparting, "I wish I could keep you all my life, dear."After Mac and Steve had had their turn, Archie and Company boreher away for some weeks; and with them she was so happy, shefelt as if she would like to stay for ever, if she could have UncleAlec also.
Of course, Aunt Myra could not be neglected, and, with secretdespair, Rose went to the "Mausoleum," as the boys called hergloomy abode19. Fortunately, she was very near home, and Dr. Alecdropped in so often that her visit was far less dismal20 than sheexpected. Between them, they actually made Aunt Myra laughheartily more than once; and Rose did her so much good by lettingin the sunshine, singing about the silent house, cooking wholesomemesses, and amusing the old lady with funny little lectures onphysiology, that she forgot to take her pills and gave up "Mum'sElixir," because she slept so well, after the long walks and drivesshe was beguiled21 into taking, that she needed no narcotic22.
So the winter flew rapidly away, and it was May before Rose wasfairly settled again at home. They called her the "Monthly Rose,"because she had spent a month with each of the aunts, and leftsuch pleasant memories of bloom and fragrance23 behind her, thatall wanted the family flower back again.
Dr. Alec rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure; but as thetime drew near when his year of experiment ended, he had many asecret fear that Rose might like to make her home for the nexttwelve month with Aunt Jessie, or even Aunt Clara, for Charlie'ssake. He said nothing, but waited with much anxiety for the daywhen the matter should be decided; and while he waited he did hisbest to finish as far as possible the task he had begun so well.
Rose was very happy now, being out nearly all day enjoying thebeautiful awakening24 of the world, for spring came bright and early,as if anxious to do its part. The old horse-chestnuts budded roundher windows, green things sprung up like magic in the gardenunder her hands, hardy25 flowers bloomed as fast as they could, thebirds sang blithely26 overhead, and every day a chorus of pleasantvoices cried, "Good morning, cousin, isn't it jolly weather?"No one remembered the date of the eventful conversation whichresulted in the Doctor's experiment (no one but himself at least);so when the aunts were invited to tea one Saturday they came quiteunsuspiciously, and were all sitting together having a social chat,when Brother Alec entered with two photographs in his hand.
"Do you remember that?" he said, showing one to Aunt Clara, whohappened to be nearest.
"Yes, indeed; it is very like her when she came. Quite her sad,unchildlike expression, and thin little face, with the big dark eyes."The picture was passed round, and all agreed that "it was very likeRose a year ago." This point being settled, the Doctor showed thesecond picture, which was received with great approbation27, andpronounced a "charming likeness28."It certainly was, and a striking contrast to the first one, for it was ablooming, smiling face, full of girlish spirit and health, with nosign of melancholy29, though the soft eyes were thoughtful, and thelines about the lips betrayed a sensitive nature.
Dr. Alec set both photographs on the chimneypiece, and, fallingback a step or two, surveyed them with infinite satisfaction forseveral minutes, then wheeled round, saying briefly30, as he pointedto the two faces"Time is up; how do you think my experiment has succeeded,ladies?""Bless me, so it is!" cried Aunt Plenty, dropping a stitch in hersurprise.
"Beautifully, dear," answered Aunt Peace, smiling entire approval.
"She certainly has improved, but appearances are deceitful, andshe had no constitution to build upon," croaked31 Aunt Myra.
"I am willing to allow that, as far as mere32 health goes, theexperiment is a success," graciously observed Aunt Jane, unable toforget Rose's kindness to her Mac.
"So am I; and I'll go farther, for I really do believe Alec has donewonders for the child; she will be a beauty in two or three years,"added Aunt Clara, feeling that she could say nothing better thanthat.
"I always knew he would succeed, and I'm so glad you all allow it,for he deserves more credit than you know, and more praise thanhe will ever get," cried Aunt Jessie, clapping her hands with anenthusiasm that caused Jamie's little red stocking to wave like atriumphal banner in the air.
Dr. Alec made them a splendid bow, looking much gratified, andthen said soberly"Thank you; now the question is, shall I go on? for this is only thebeginning. None of you know the hindrances33 I've had, the mistakesI've made, the study I've given the case, and the anxiety I've oftenfelt. Sister Myra is right is one thing Rose is a delicate creature,quick to flourish in the sunshine, and as quick to droop34 without it.
She has no special weakness, but inherits her mother's sensitivenature. and needs the wisest, tenderest care, to keep a very ardentlittle soul from wearing out a finely organised little body. I think Ihave found the right treatment, and; with you to help me, I believewe may build up a lovely and a noble woman, who will be a prideand comfort to us all."There Dr. Alec stopped to get his breath, for he had spoken veryearnestly, and his voice got a little husky over the last words. Agentle murmur35 from the aunts seemed to encourage him, and hewent on with an engaging smile, for the good man was slyly tryingto win all the ladies to vote for him when the time came.
"Now, I don't wish to be selfish or arbitrary, because I am herguardian, and I shall leave Rose free to choose for herself. We allwant her, and if she likes to make her home with any of you ratherthan with me, she shall do so. In fact, I encouraged her visits lastwinter, that she might see what we can all offer her, and judgewhere she will be happiest. Is not that the fairest way? Will youagree to abide36 by her choice, as I do?""Yes, we will," said all the aunts, in quite a flutter of excitement atthe prospect37 of having Rose for a whole year.
"Good! she will be here directly, and then we will settle thequestion for another year. A most important year, mind you, forshe has got a good start, and will blossom rapidly now if all goeswell with her. So I beg of you don't undo38 my work, but deal verywisely and gently with my little girl, for if any harm come to her, Ithink it would break my heart."As he spoke, Dr. Alec turned his back abruptly39 and affected40 to beexamining the pictures again; but the aunts understood how dearthe child was to the solitary41 man who had loved her mother yearsago, and who now found his happiness in cherishing the little Rosewho was so like her. The good ladies nodded and sighed, andtelegraphed to one another that none of them would complain ifnot 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 thegarden, and smiles broke out on all serious faces. Dr. Alec turnedat once, saying, as he threw back his head, "There she is; now forit!"The cousins had been a-Maying, and soon came flocking in ladenwith the spoils.
"Here is our bonny Scotch42 rose with all her thorns about her," saidDr. Alec, surveying her with unusual pride and tenderness, as shewent to show Aunt Peace her basket full of early flowers, freshleaves, and curious lichens43.
"Leave your clutter44 in the hall, boys, and sit quietly down if youchoose to stop here, for we are busy," said Aunt Plenty, shakingher finger at the turbulent Clan45, who were bubbling over with thejollity born of spring sunshine and healthy exercise.
"Of course, we choose to stay! Wouldn't miss our Saturday hightea for anything," said the Chief, as he restored order among hismen with a nod, a word, and an occasional shake.
"What is up? a court-martial?" asked Charlie, looking at theassembled ladies with affected awe46 and real curiosity, for thesefaces betrayed that some interesting business was afloat.
Dr. Alec explained in a few words, which he made as brief andcalm as he could; but the effect was exciting, nevertheless, foreach of the lads began at once to bribe47, entice48, and wheedle49 "ourcousin" to choose his home.
"You really ought to come to us for mother's sake, as a relish50, youknow, for she must be perfectly51 satiated with boys," began Archie,using the strongest argument he could think of at the moment.
"Ah! yes," she thought, "he wants me most! I've often longed togive him something that he wished for very much, and now I can."So, when, at a sudden gesture from Aunt Peace, silence fell, Rosesaid slowly, with a pretty colour in her cheeks, and a beseechinglook about the room, as if asking pardon of the boys"It's very hard to choose when everybody is so fond of me;therefore I think I'd better go to the one who seems to need memost.""No, dear, the one you love the best and will be happiest with,"said Dr. Alec quickly, as a doleful sniff52 from Aunt Myra, and amurmur of "My sainted Caroline," made Rose pause and look thatway.
"Take time, cousin; don't be in a hurry to make up your mind, andremember, 'Codlin's your friend,' " added Charlie, hopeful still.
"I don't want any time! I know who I love best, who I'm happiestwith, and I choose uncle. Will he have me?" cried Rose, in a tonethat produced a sympathetic thrill among the hearers, it was so fullof tender confidence and love.
If she really had any doubt, the look in Dr. Alec's face banished15 itwithout a word, as he opened wide his arms, and she ran into them,feeling that home was there.
No one spoke for a minute, but there were signs of emotion amongthe aunts, which warned the boys to bestir themselves before thewater-works began to play. So they took hands and began toprance about uncle and niece, singing, with sudden inspiration, thenursery rhyme"Ring around a Rosy!"Of course that put an end to all sentiment, and Rose emergedlaughing from Dr. Alec's bosom53, with the mark of a waistcoatbutton nicely imprinted54 on her left cheek. He saw it, and said witha merry kiss that half effaced55 it, "This is my ewe lamb, and I haveset my mark on her, so no one can steal her away."That tickled56 the boys, and they set up a shout of"Uncle had a little lamb!"But Rose hushed the noise by slipping into the circle, and makingthem dance prettily57 like lads and lasses round a May-pole; whilePhebe, coming in with fresh water for the flowers, began to twitter,chirp, and coo, as if all the birds of the air had come to join in thespring revel58 of the eight cousins.
For the sequel, see "The Rose in Bloom."
收听单词发音 |
1
reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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spoke
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| 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 | |
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rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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beguiled
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| v.欺骗( beguile的过去式和过去分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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narcotic
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| n.麻醉药，镇静剂；adj.麻醉的，催眠的 | |
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fragrance
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| n.芬芳，香味，香气 | |
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awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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blithely
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| adv.欢乐地，快活地，无挂虑地 | |
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approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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croaked
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| v.呱呱地叫( croak的过去式和过去分词 )；用粗的声音说 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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hindrances
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| 阻碍者( hindrance的名词复数 )； 障碍物； 受到妨碍的状态 | |
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droop
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| v.低垂，下垂；凋萎，萎靡 | |
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murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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undo
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| vt.解开，松开；取消，撤销 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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43
lichens
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| n.地衣( lichen的名词复数 ) | |
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clutter
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| n.零乱，杂乱；vt.弄乱，把…弄得杂乱 | |
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clan
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| n.氏族，部落，宗族，家族，宗派 | |
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awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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bribe
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| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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entice
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| v.诱骗，引诱，怂恿 | |
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wheedle
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| v.劝诱，哄骗 | |
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50
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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51
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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52
sniff
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| vi.嗅…味道；抽鼻涕；对嗤之以鼻，蔑视 | |
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53
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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54
imprinted
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| v.盖印（imprint的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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55
effaced
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| v.擦掉( efface的过去式和过去分词 )；抹去；超越；使黯然失色 | |
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56
tickled
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| （使）发痒( tickle的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）愉快，逗乐 | |
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prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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