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ROSE IN BLOOM.
[Illustration: frontispiece]
A Sequel to "Eight Cousins."
by
LOUISA M. ALCOTT,
Author of "Little Women," "An Old-Fashioned Girl," "Little Men,"
"Hospital Sketches," "Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag," "Work,"
"Eight Cousins," etc.
With Illustration.
Boston:
Roberts Brothers.
1876.
Copyright, 1876,
By Louisa M. Alcott.
[Illustration: publisher's mark]
Cambridge:
Press of John Wilson & Son.
PREFACE.
As authors may be supposed to know better than any one else what they
intended to do when writing a book, I beg leave to say that there is
no moral to this story. Rose is not designed for a model girl: and the
Sequel was simply written in fulfilment of a promise; hoping to afford
some amusement, and perhaps here and there a helpful hint, to other
roses getting ready to bloom.
L. M. ALCOTT.
SEPTEMBER, 1876.
CONTENTS.
Chap. Page
I. COMING HOME 1
II. OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES 30
III. MISS CAMPBELL 52
IV. THORNS AMONG THE ROSES 69
V. PRINCE CHARMING 80
VI. POLISHING MAC 99
VII. PHEBE 123
VIII. BREAKERS AHEAD 149
IX. NEW YEAR'S CALLS 160
X. THE SAD AND SOBER PART 179
XI. SMALL TEMPTATIONS 191
XII. AT KITTY'S BALL 212
XIII. BOTH SIDES 234
XIV. AUNT CLARA'S PLAN 252
XV. ALAS FOR CHARLIE 261
XVI. GOOD WORKS 276
XVII. AMONG THE HAYCOCKS 290
XVIII. WHICH WAS IT? 309
XIX. BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN 333
XX. WHAT MAC DID 342
XXI. HOW PHEBE EARNED HER WELCOME 355
XXII. SHORT AND SWEET 367
ROSE IN BLOOM.
CHAPTER I.
_COMING HOME._
Three young men stood together on a wharf one bright October day,
awaiting the arrival of an ocean steamer with an impatience which
found a vent in lively skirmishes with a small lad, who pervaded the
premises like a will-o'-the-wisp, and afforded much amusement to the
other groups assembled there.
"They are the Campbells, waiting for their cousin, who has been abroad
several years with her uncle, the Doctor," whispered one lady to
another, as the handsomest of the young men touched his hat to her as
he passed, lugging the boy, whom he had just rescued from a little
expedition down among the piles.
"Which is that?" asked the stranger.
"Prince Charlie, as he's called,--a fine fellow, the most promising of
the seven; but a little fast, people say," answered the first speaker,
with a shake of the head.
"Are the others his brothers?"
"No, cousins. The elder is Archie, a most exemplary young man. He has
just gone into business with the merchant uncle, and bids fair to be
an honor to his family. The other, with the eye-glasses and no gloves,
is Mac, the odd one, just out of college."
"And the boy?"
"Oh, he is Jamie, the youngest brother of Archibald, and the pet of
the whole family. Mercy on us! he'll be in if they don't hold on to
him."
The ladies' chat came to a sudden end just there; for, by the time
Jamie had been fished out of a hogshead, the steamer hove in sight and
every thing else was forgotten. As it swung slowly round to enter the
dock, a boyish voice shouted,--
"There she is! I see her and uncle and Phebe! Hooray for Cousin Rose!"
and three small cheers were given with a will by Jamie, as he stood on
a post waving his arms like a windmill, while his brother held on to
the tail of his jacket.
Yes, there they were,--Uncle Alec swinging his hat like a boy, with
Phebe smiling and nodding on one side, and Rose kissing both hands
delightedly on the other, as she recognized familiar faces and heard
familiar voices welcoming her home.
"Bless her dear heart, she's bonnier than ever! Looks like a
Madonna,--doesn't she?--with that blue cloak round her, and her bright
hair flying in the wind!" said Charlie excitedly, as they watched the
group upon the deck with eager eyes.
"Madonnas don't wear hats like that. Rose hasn't changed much, but
Phebe has. Why, she's a regular beauty!" answered Archie, staring
with all his might at the dark-eyed young woman, with the brilliant
color and glossy, black braids shining in the sun.
"Dear old uncle! doesn't it seem good to have him back?" was all Mac
said; but he was not looking at "dear old uncle," as he made the
fervent remark, for he saw only the slender blonde girl near by, and
stretched out his hands to meet hers, forgetful of the green water
tumbling between them.
During the confusion that reigned for a moment as the steamer settled
to her moorings, Rose looked down into the three faces upturned to
hers, and seemed to read in them something that both pleased and
pained her. It was only a glance, and her own eyes were full; but
through the mist of happy tears she received the impression that
Archie was about the same, that Mac had decidedly improved, and that
something was amiss with Charlie. There was no time for observation,
however; for in a moment the shoreward rush began, and, before she
could grasp her travelling bag, Jamie was clinging to her like an
ecstatic young bear. She was with difficulty released from his
embrace, to fall into the gentler ones of the elder cousins, who took
advantage of the general excitement to welcome both blooming girls
with affectionate impartiality. Then the wanderers were borne ashore
in a triumphal procession, while Jamie danced rapturous jigs before
them even on the gangway.
Archie remained to help his uncle get the luggage through the Custom
House, and the others escorted the damsels home. No sooner were they
shut up in a carriage, however, than a new and curious constraint
seemed to fall upon the young people; for they realized, all at once,
that their former playmates were men and women now. Fortunately, Jamie
was quite free from this feeling of restraint, and, sitting
bodkin-wise between the ladies, took all sorts of liberties with them
and their belongings.
"Well, my mannikin, what do you think of us?" asked Rose, to break an
awkward pause.
"You've both grown so pretty, I can't decide which I like best. Phebe
is the biggest and brightest looking, and I was always fond of Phebe;
but, somehow you are so kind of sweet and precious, I really think I
_must_ hug you again," and the small youth did it tempestuously.
"If you love me best, I shall not mind a bit about your thinking Phebe
the handsomest, because she _is_. Isn't she, boys?" asked Rose, with a
mischievous look at the gentlemen opposite, whose faces expressed a
respectful admiration which much amused her.
"I'm so dazzled by the brilliancy and beauty that has suddenly burst
upon me, I have no words to express my emotions," answered Charlie,
gallantly dodging the dangerous question.
"I can't say yet, for I have not had time to look at any one. I will
now, if you don't mind;" and, to the great amusement of the rest, Mac
gravely adjusted his eye-glasses and took an observation.
"Well?" said Phebe, smiling and blushing under his honest stare, yet
seeming not to resent it as she did the lordly sort of approval which
made her answer the glance of Charlie's audacious blue eyes with a
flash of her black ones.
"I think if you were my sister, I should be very proud of you, because
your face shows what I admire more than its beauty,--truth and
courage, Phebe," answered Mac, with a little bow, full of such genuine
respect that surprise and pleasure brought a sudden dew to quench the
fire of the girl's eyes, and soothe the sensitive pride of the girl's
heart.
Rose clapped her hands just as she used to do when any thing delighted
her, and beamed at Mac approvingly, as she said,--
"Now that's a criticism worth having, and we are much obliged. I was
sure _you'd_ admire my Phebe when you knew her: but I didn't believe
you would be wise enough to see it at once; and you have gone up many
pegs in my estimation, I assure you."
"I was always fond of mineralogy you remember, and I've been tapping
round a good deal lately, so I've learned to know precious metals when
I see them," Mac said with his shrewd smile.
"That is the last hobby, then? Your letters have amused us immensely;
for each one had a new theory or experiment, and the latest was always
the best. I thought uncle would have died of laughing over the
vegetarian mania: it was so funny to imagine you living on bread and
milk, baked apples, and potatoes roasted in your own fire," continued
Rose, changing the subject again.
"This old chap was the laughing-stock of his class. They called him
Don Quixote; and the way he went at windmills of all sorts was a sight
to see," put in Charlie, evidently feeling that Mac had been patted on
the head quite as much as was good for him.
"But in spite of that the Don got through college with all the honors.
Oh, wasn't I proud when Aunt Jane wrote us about it! and didn't she
rejoice that her boy kept at the head of his class, and won the
medal!" cried Rose, shaking Mac by both hands in a way that caused
Charlie to wish "the old chap" had been left behind with Dr. Alec.
"Oh come, that's all mother's nonsense. I began earlier than the other
fellows and liked it better: so I don't deserve any praise. Prince is
right, though: I did make a regular jack of myself; but, on the whole,
I'm not sure that my wild oats weren't better than some I've seen
sowed. Anyway, they didn't cost much, and I'm none the worse for
them," said Mac, placidly.
"I know what 'wild oats' mean. I heard Uncle Mac say Charlie was
sowing 'em too fast, and I asked mamma, so she told me. And I know
that he was suspelled or expended, I don't remember which, but it was
something bad, and Aunt Clara cried," added Jamie, all in one breath;
for he possessed a fatal gift of making _malapropos_ remarks, which
caused him to be a terror to his family.
"Do you want to go on the box again?" demanded Prince, with a warning
frown.
"No, I don't."
"Then hold your tongue."
"Well, Mac needn't kick me; for I was only"--began the culprit,
innocently trying to make a bad matter worse.
"That will do," interrupted Charlie, sternly, and James subsided a
crushed boy, consoling himself with Rose's new watch for the
indignities he suffered at the hands of the "old fellows," as he
vengefully called his elders.
Mac and Charlie immediately began to talk as hard as their tongues
could wag, bringing up all sorts of pleasant subjects so successfully
that peals of laughter made passers-by look after the merry load with
sympathetic smiles.
An avalanche of aunts fell upon Rose as soon as she reached home, and
for the rest of the day the old house buzzed like a beehive. Evening
found the whole tribe collected in the drawing-rooms, with the
exception of Aunt Peace, whose place was empty now.
Naturally enough, the elders settled into one group after a while, and
the young fellows clustered about the girls, like butterflies round
two attractive flowers. Dr. Alec was the central figure in one room
and Rose in the other; for the little girl, whom they had all loved
and petted, had bloomed into a woman; and two years of absence had
wrought a curious change in the relative positions of the cousins,
especially the three elder ones, who eyed her with a mixture of boyish
affection and manly admiration that was both new and pleasant.
Something sweet yet spirited about her charmed them and piqued their
curiosity; for she was not quite like other girls, and rather startled
them now and then by some independent little speech or act, which made
them look at one another with a sly smile, as if reminded that Rose
was "uncle's girl."
Let us listen, as in duty bound, to what the elders are saying first;
for they are already building castles in the air for the boys and
girls to inhabit.
"Dear child! how nice it is to see her safely back, so well and happy
and like her sweet little self!" said Aunt Plenty, folding her hands
as if giving thanks for a great happiness.
"I shouldn't wonder if you found that you'd brought a firebrand into
the family, Alec. Two, in fact; for Phebe is a fine girl, and the lads
have found it out already, if I'm not mistaken," added Uncle Mac, with
a nod toward the other room.
All eyes followed his, and a highly suggestive tableau presented
itself to the paternal and maternal audience in the back parlor.
Rose and Phebe, sitting side by side on the sofa, had evidently
assumed at once the places which they were destined to fill by right
of youth, sex, and beauty; for Phebe had long since ceased to be the
maid and become the friend, and Rose meant to have that fact
established at once.
Jamie occupied the rug, on which Will and Geordie stood at ease,
showing their uniforms to the best advantage; for they were now in a
great school, where military drill was the delight of their souls.
Steve posed gracefully in an arm-chair, with Mac lounging over the
back of it; while Archie leaned on one corner of the low
chimney-piece, looking down at Phebe as she listened to his chat with
smiling lips, and cheeks almost as rich in color as the carnations in
her belt.
But Charlie was particularly effective, although he sat upon a
music-stool, that most trying position for any man not gifted with
grace in the management of his legs. Fortunately Prince was, and had
fallen into an easy attitude, with one arm over the back of the sofa,
his handsome head bent a little, as he monopolized Rose, with a
devoted air and a very becoming expression of contentment on his face.
Aunt Clara smiled as if well pleased; Aunt Jessie looked thoughtful;
Aunt Jane's keen eyes went from dapper Steve to broad-shouldered Mac
with an anxious glance; Mrs. Myra murmured something about her
"blessed Caroline;" and Aunt Plenty said warmly,--
"Bless the dears! any one might be proud of such a bonny flock of
bairns as that."
"I am all ready to play chaperon as soon as you please, Alec; for I
suppose the dear girl will come out at once, as she did not before you
went away. My services won't be wanted long, I fancy; for with her
many advantages she will be carried off in her first season or I'm
much mistaken," said Mrs. Clara, with significant nods and smiles.
"You must settle all those matters with Rose: I am no longer captain,
only first mate now, you know," answered Dr. Alec, adding soberly,
half to himself, half to his brother,--"I wonder people are in such
haste to 'bring out' their daughters, as it's called. To me there is
something almost pathetic in the sight of a young girl standing on the
threshold of the world, so innocent and hopeful, so ignorant of all
that lies before her, and usually so ill prepared to meet the ups and
downs of life. We do our duty better by the boys; but the poor little
women are seldom provided with any armor worth having; and, sooner or
later, they are sure to need it, for every one must fight her own
battle, and only the brave and strong can win."
"You can't reproach yourself with neglect of that sort, Alec, for you
have done your duty faithfully by George's girl; and I envy you the
pride and happiness of having such a daughter, for she is that to
you," answered old Mac, unexpectedly betraying the paternal sort of
tenderness men seldom feel for their sons.
"I've tried, Mac, and I _am_ both proud and happy; but with every year
my anxiety seems to increase. I've done my best to fit Rose for what
may come, as far as I can foresee it; but now she must stand alone,
and all my care is powerless to keep her heart from aching, her life
from being saddened by mistakes, or thwarted by the acts of others. I
can only stand by, ready to share her joy and sorrow, and watch her
shape her life."
"Why, Alec, what is the child going to do, that you need look so
solemn?" exclaimed Mrs. Clara, who seemed to have assumed a sort of
right to Rose already.
"Hark! and let her tell you herself," answered Dr. Alec, as Rose's
voice was heard saying very earnestly,--
"Now you have all told your plans for the future, why don't you ask us
ours?"
"Because we know that there is only one thing for a pretty girl to
do,--break a dozen or so of hearts before she finds one to suit, then
marry and settle," answered Charlie, as if no other reply was
possible.
"That may be the case with many, but not with us; for Phebe and I
believe that it is as much a right and a duty for women to do
something with their lives as for men; and we are not going to be
satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us," cried Rose, with
kindling eyes. "I mean what I say, and you cannot laugh me down. Would
_you_ be contented to be told to enjoy yourself for a little while,
then marry and do nothing more till you die?" she added, turning to
Archie.
"Of course not: that is only a part of a man's life," he answered
decidedly.
"A very precious and lovely part, but not _all_," continued Rose;
"neither should it be for a woman: for we've got minds and souls as
well as hearts; ambition and talents, as well as beauty and
accomplishments; and we want to live and learn as well as love and be
loved. I'm sick of being told that is all a woman is fit for! I won't
have any thing to do with love till I prove that I am something beside
a housekeeper and baby-tender!"
"Heaven preserve us! here's woman's rights with a vengeance!" cried
Charlie, starting up with mock horror, while the others regarded Rose
with mingled surprise and amusement, evidently fancying it all a
girlish outbreak.
"Ah, you needn't pretend to be shocked: you will be in earnest
presently; for this is only the beginning of my strong-mindedness,"
continued Rose, nothing daunted by the smiles of good-natured
incredulity or derision on the faces of her cousins. "I have made up
my mind not to be cheated out of the real things that make one good
and happy; and, just because I'm a rich girl, fold my hands and drift
as so many do. I haven't lived with Phebe all these years in vain: I
know what courage and self-reliance can do for one; and I sometimes
wish I hadn't a penny in the world so that I could go and earn my
bread with her, and be as brave and independent as she will be pretty
soon."
It was evident that Rose was in earnest now; for, as she spoke, she
turned to her friend with such respect as well as love in her face
that the look told better than any words how heartily the rich girl
appreciated the virtues hard experience had given the poor girl, and
how eagerly she desired to earn what all her fortune could not buy for
her.
Something in the glance exchanged between the friends impressed the
young men in spite of their prejudices; and it was in a perfectly
serious tone that Archie said,--
"I fancy you'll find your hands full, cousin, if you want work; for
I've heard people say that wealth has its troubles and trials as well
as poverty."
"I know it, and I'm going to try and fill my place well. I've got some
capital little plans all made, and have begun to study my profession
already," answered Rose, with an energetic nod.
"Could I ask what it is to be?" inquired Charlie, in a tone of awe.
"Guess!" and Rose looked up at him with an expression half-earnest,
half-merry.
"Well, I should say that you were fitted for a beauty and a belle;
but, as that is evidently not to your taste, I am afraid you are going
to study medicine and be a doctor. Won't your patients have a heavenly
time though? It will be easy dying with an angel to poison them."
"Now, Charlie, that's base of you, when you know how well women have
succeeded in this profession, and what a comfort Dr. Mary Kirk was to
dear Aunt Peace. I did want to study medicine; but uncle thought it
wouldn't do to have so many M.D.'s in one family, since Mac thinks of
trying it. Besides, I seem to have other work put into my hands that I
am better fitted for."
"You are fitted for any thing that is generous and good; and I'll
stand by you, no matter what you've chosen," cried Mac heartily; for
this was a new style of talk from a girl's lips, and he liked it
immensely.
"Philanthropy is a generous, good, and beautiful profession; and I've
chosen it for mine because I have much to give. I'm only the steward
of the fortune papa left me; and I think, if I use it wisely for the
happiness of others, it will be more blest than if I keep it all for
myself."
Very sweetly and simply was this said, but it was curious to see how
differently the various hearers received it.
Charlie shot a quick look at his mother, who exclaimed, as if in spite
of herself,--
"Now, Alec, _are_ you going to let that girl squander a fine fortune
on all sorts of charitable nonsense and wild schemes, for the
prevention of pauperism and crime?"
"'They who give to the poor lend to the Lord,' and practical
Christianity is the kind He loves the best," was all Dr. Alec
answered; but it silenced the aunts, and caused even prudent Uncle Mac
to think with sudden satisfaction of certain secret investments he
had made, which paid him no interest but the thanks of the poor.
Archie and Mac looked well pleased, and promised their advice and
assistance with the enthusiasm of generous young hearts. Steve shook
his head, but said nothing; and the lads on the rug at once proposed
founding a hospital for invalid dogs and horses, white mice and
wounded heroes.
"Don't you think that will be a better way for a woman to spend her
life, than in dancing, dressing, and husband-hunting, Charlie?" asked
Rose, observing his silence and anxious for his approval.
"Very pretty for a little while, and very effective too; for I don't
know any thing more captivating than a sweet girl in a meek little
bonnet, going on charitable errands and glorifying poor people's
houses with a delightful mixture of beauty and benevolence.
Fortunately, the dear souls soon tire of it, but it's heavenly while
it lasts."
Charlie spoke in a tone of mingled admiration and contempt, and smiled
a superior sort of smile, as if he understood all the innocent
delusions as well as the artful devices of the sex, and expected
nothing more from them. It both surprised and grieved Rose, for it did
not sound like the Charlie she had left two years ago. But she only
said, with a reproachful look and a proud little gesture of head and
hand, as if she put the subject aside since it was not treated with
respect,--
"I am sorry you have so low an opinion of women: there _was_ a time
when you believed in them sincerely."
"I do still, upon my word I do! They haven't a more devoted admirer
and slave in the world than I am. Just try me and see," cried Charlie,
gallantly kissing his hand to the sex in general.
But Rose was not appeased, and gave a disdainful shrug, as she
answered with a look in her eyes that his lordship did not like,--
"Thank you: I don't want admirers or slaves, but friends and helpers.
I've lived so long with a wise, good man that I am rather hard to
suit, perhaps; but I don't intend to lower my standard, and any one
who cares for my regard must at least try to live up to it."
"Whew! here's a wrathful dove! Come and smooth her ruffled plumage,
Mac. I'll dodge before I do further mischief," and Charlie strolled
away into the other room, privately lamenting that Uncle Alec had
spoiled a fine girl by making her strong-minded.
He wished himself back again in five minutes; for Mac said something
that produced a gale of laughter, and when he took a look over his
shoulder the "wrathful dove" was cooing so peacefully and pleasantly
he was sorely tempted to return and share the fun. But Charlie had
been spoiled by too much indulgence, and it was hard for him to own
himself in the wrong even when he knew it. He always got what he
wanted sooner or later; and, having long ago made up his mind that
Rose and her fortune were to be his, he was secretly displeased at the
new plans and beliefs of the young lady, but flattered himself that
they would soon be changed when she saw how unfashionable and
inconvenient they were.
Musing over the delightful future he had laid out, he made himself
comfortable in the sofa corner near his mother, till the appearance of
a slight refection caused both groups to melt into one. Aunt Plenty
believed in eating and drinking; so the slightest excuse for festivity
delighted her hospitable soul, and on this joyful occasion she
surpassed herself.
It was during this informal banquet that Rose, roaming about from one
admiring relative to another, came upon the three younger lads, who
were having a quiet little scuffle in a secluded corner.
"Come out here and let me have a look at you," she said enticingly;
for she predicted an explosion and public disgrace if peace was not
speedily restored.
Hastily smoothing themselves down, the young gentlemen presented three
flushed and merry countenances for inspection, feeling highly honored
by the command.
"Dear me, how you two have grown! You big things! how dare you get
ahead of me in this way?" she said, standing on tiptoe to pat the
curly pates before her; for Will and Geordie had shot up like weeds,
and now grinned cheerfully down upon her as she surveyed them in comic
amazement.
"The Campbells are all fine, tall fellows; and we mean to be the best
of the lot. Shouldn't wonder if we were six-footers, like Grandpa,"
observed Will proudly, looking so like a young Shanghae rooster, all
legs and an insignificant head, that Rose kept her countenance with
difficulty.
"We shall broaden out when we get our growth. We are taller than Steve
now, a half a head, both of us," added Geordie, with his nose in the
air.
Rose turned to look at Steve, and, with a sudden smile, beckoned to
him. He dropped his napkin, and flew to obey the summons; for she was
queen of the hour, and he had openly announced his deathless loyalty.
"Tell the other boys to come here. I've a fancy to stand you all in a
row and look you over, as you did me that dreadful day when you nearly
frightened me out of my wits," she said, laughing at the memory of it
as she spoke.
They came in a body, and, standing shoulder to shoulder, made such an
imposing array that the young commander was rather daunted for a
moment. But she had seen too much of the world lately to be abashed by
a trifle; and the desire to try a girlish test gave her courage to
face the line of smiling cousins with dignity and spirit.
"Now I'm going to stare at you as you stared at me. It is my revenge
on you seven bad boys for entrapping one poor little girl, and
enjoying her alarm. I'm not a bit afraid of you now; so tremble and
beware!"
As she spoke, Rose looked up into Archie's face and nodded
approvingly; for the steady gray eyes met hers fairly, and softened as
they did so,--a becoming change, for naturally they were rather keen
than kind.
"A true Campbell, bless you!" she said, and shook his hand heartily as
she passed on.
Charlie came next, and here she felt less satisfied, though scarcely
conscious why; for, as she looked, there came a defiant sort of flash,
changing suddenly to something warmer than anger, stronger than pride,
making her shrink a little and say, hastily,--
"I don't find the Charlie I left; but the Prince is there still, I
see."
Turning to Mac with a sense of relief, she gently took off his
"winkers," as Jamie called them, and looked straight into the honest
blue eyes that looked straight back at her, full of a frank and
friendly affection that warmed her heart, and made her own eyes
brighten as she gave back the glasses, saying, with a look and tone of
cordial satisfaction,--
"_You_ are not changed, my dear old Mac; and I'm so glad of that!"
"Now say something extra sweet to me, because I'm the flower of the
family," said Steve, twirling the blonde moustache, which was
evidently the pride of his life.
Rose saw at a glance that Dandy deserved his name more than ever, and
promptly quenched his vanities by answering, with a provoking laugh,--
"Then the name of the flower of the family is Cock's-comb."
"Ah, ha! who's got it now?" jeered Will.
"Let us off easy, please," whispered Geordie, mindful that their turn
came next.
"You blessed beanstalks! I'm proud of you: only don't grow quite out
of sight, or ever be ashamed to look a woman in the face," answered
Rose, with a gentle pat on the cheek of either bashful young giant;
for both were as red as peonies, though their boyish eyes were as
clear and calm as summer lakes.
"Now me!" And Jamie assumed his manliest air, feeling that he did not
appear to advantage among his tall kinsmen. But he went to the head of
the class in every one's opinion when Rose put her arms round him,
saying, with a kiss,--
"You must be my boy now; for all the others are too old, and I want a
faithful little page to do my errands for me."
"I will, I will! and I'll marry you too, if you'll just hold on till I
grow up!" cried Jamie, rather losing his head at this sudden
promotion.
"Bless the baby, what is he talking about?" laughed Rose, looking down
at her little knight, as he clung about her with grateful ardor.
"Oh, I heard the aunts say that you'd better marry one of us, and
keep the property in the family; so I speak first, because you are
very fond of me, and I _do_ love curls."
Alas for Jamie! this awful speech had hardly left his innocent lips
when Will and Geordie swept him out of the room like a whirlwind; and
the howls of that hapless boy were heard from the torture-hall, where
being shut into the skeleton-case was one of the mildest punishments
inflicted upon him.
Dismay fell upon the unfortunates who remained: but their confusion
was soon ended; for Rose, with a look which they had never seen upon
her face before, dismissed them with the brief command, "Break
ranks,--the review is over," and walked away to Phebe.
"Confound that boy! You ought to shut him up, or gag him!" fumed
Charlie, irritably.
"He shall be attended to," answered poor Archie, who was trying to
bring up the little marplot with the success of most parents and
guardians.
"The whole thing was deuced disagreeable," growled Steve, who felt
that he had not distinguished himself in the late engagement.
"Truth generally is," observed Mac dryly, as he strolled away with his
odd smile.
As if he suspected discord somewhere, Dr. Alec proposed music at this
crisis; and the young people felt that it was a happy thought.
"I want you to hear both my birds; for they have improved immensely,
and I am very proud of them," said the Doctor, twirling up the stool
and pulling out the old music-books.
"I had better come first, for after you have heard the nightingale you
won't care for the canary," added Rose, wishing to put Phebe at her
ease; for she sat among them looking like a picture, but rather shy
and silent, remembering the days when her place was in the kitchen.
"I'll give you some of the dear old songs you used to like so much.
This was a favorite, I think;" and sitting down she sang the first
familiar air that came, and sang it well in a pleasant, but by no
means finished, manner.
It chanced to be "The Birks of Aberfeldie," and vividly recalled the
time when Mac was ill, and she took care of him. The memory was sweet
to her, and involuntarily her eye wandered in search of him. He was
not far away, sitting just as he used to sit when she soothed his most
despondent moods,--astride of a chair with his head down on his arms,
as if the song suggested the attitude. Her heart quite softened to him
as she looked, and she decided to forgive _him_ if no one else; for
she was sure that he had no mercenary plans about her tiresome money.
Charlie had assumed a pensive air, and fixed his fine eyes upon her
with an expression of tender admiration, which made her laugh in spite
of all her efforts to seem unconscious of it. She was both amused and
annoyed at his very evident desire to remind her of certain
sentimental passages in the last year of their girl and boyhood, and
to change what she had considered a childish joke into romantic
earnest. This did not suit her; for, young as she was, Rose had very
serious ideas of love, and had no intention of being beguiled into
even a flirtation with her handsome cousin.
So Charlie attitudinized unnoticed, and was getting rather out of
temper when Phebe began to sing; and he forgot all about himself in
admiration of her. It took every one by surprise: for two years of
foreign training added to several at home had worked wonders; and the
beautiful voice that used to warble cheerily over pots and kettles,
now rang out melodiously or melted to a mellow music that woke a
sympathetic thrill in those who listened. Rose glowed with pride as
she accompanied her friend; for Phebe was in her own world now,--a
lovely world where no depressing memory of poor-house or kitchen,
ignorance or loneliness, came to trouble her; a happy world where she
could be herself, and rule others by the magic of her sweet gift.
Yes, Phebe was herself now, and showed it in the change that came over
her at the first note of music. No longer shy and silent, no longer
the image of a handsome girl, but a blooming woman, alive and full of
the eloquence her art gave her, as she laid her hands softly together,
fixed her eye on the light, and just poured out her song as simply
and joyfully as the lark does soaring toward the sun.
"My faith, Alec! that's the sort of voice that wins a man's heart out
of his breast!" exclaimed Uncle Mac, wiping his eyes after one of the
plaintive ballads that never grow old.
"So it would!" answered Dr. Alec, delightedly.
"So it has," added Archie to himself; and he was right: for, just at
that moment, he fell in love with Phebe. He actually did, and could
fix the time almost to a second: for, at a quarter past nine, he
merely thought her a very charming young person; at twenty minutes
past, he considered her the loveliest woman he ever beheld; at five
and twenty minutes past, she was an angel singing his soul away; and
at half after nine he was a lost man, floating over a delicious sea to
that temporary heaven on earth where lovers usually land after the
first rapturous plunge.
If any one had mentioned this astonishing fact, nobody would have
believed it; nevertheless, it was quite true: and sober, business-like
Archie suddenly discovered a fund of romance at the bottom of his
hitherto well-conducted heart that amazed him. He was not quite clear
what had happened to him at first, and sat about in a dazed sort of
way; seeing, hearing, knowing nothing but Phebe: while the unconscious
idol found something wanting in the cordial praise so modestly
received, because Mr. Archie never said a word.
This was one of the remarkable things which occurred that evening;
another was that Mac paid Rose a compliment, which was such an
unprecedented fact, it produced a great sensation, though only one
person heard it.
Everybody had gone but Mac and his father, who was busy with the
Doctor. Aunt Plenty was counting the teaspoons in the dining-room, and
Phebe was helping her as of old. Mac and Rose were alone,--he
apparently in a brown study, leaning his elbows on the chimney-piece;
and she lying back in a low chair, looking thoughtfully at the fire.
She was tired; and the quiet was grateful to her: so she kept silence
and Mac respectfully held his tongue. Presently, however, she became
conscious that he was looking at her as intently as eyes and glasses
could do it; and, without stirring from her comfortable attitude, she
said, smiling up at him,--
"He looks as wise as an owl: I wonder what he's thinking about?"
"You, cousin."
"Something good, I hope?"
"I was thinking Leigh Hunt was about right when he said, 'A girl is
the sweetest thing God ever made.'"
"Why, Mac!" and Rose sat bolt upright with an astonished face: this
was such an entirely unexpected sort of remark for the philosopher to
make.
Evidently interested in the new discovery, Mac placidly continued,
"Do you know, it seems as if I never really saw a girl before, or had
any idea what agreeable creatures they could be. I fancy you are a
remarkably good specimen, Rose."
"No, indeed! I'm only hearty and happy; and being safe at home again
may make me look better than usual perhaps: but I'm no beauty except
to uncle."
"'Hearty and happy,'--that must be it," echoed Mac, soberly
investigating the problem. "Most girls are sickly or silly, I think I
have observed; and that is probably why I am so struck with you."
"Of all queer boys you are the queerest! Do you really mean that you
don't like or notice girls?" asked Rose, much amused at this new
peculiarity of her studious cousin.
"Well, no: I am only conscious of two sorts,--noisy and quiet ones. I
prefer the latter: but, as a general thing, I don't notice any of them
much more than I do flies, unless they bother me; then I'd like to
flap them away; but, as that won't do, I hide."
Rose leaned back and laughed till her eyes were full: it was so
comical to hear Mac sink his voice to a confidential whisper at the
last words, and see him smile with sinful satisfaction at the memory
of the tormentors he had eluded.
"You needn't laugh: it's a fact, I assure you. Charlie likes the
creatures, and they spoil him; Steve follows suit, of course. Archie
is a respectful slave when he can't help himself. As for me, I don't
often give them a chance; and, when I get caught, I talk science and
dead languages till they run for their lives. Now and then I find a
sensible one, and then we get on excellently."
"A sad prospect for Phebe and me," sighed Rose, trying to keep sober.
"Phebe is evidently a quiet one. I know she is sensible, or you
wouldn't care for her. I can see that she is pleasant to look at, so I
fancy I shall like her. As for you, I helped bring you up; therefore I
am a little anxious to see how you turn out. I was afraid your foreign
polish might spoil you, but I think it has not. In fact, I find you
quite satisfactory so far, if you don't mind my saying it. I don't
quite know what the charm is, though. Must be the power of inward
graces, since you insist that you have no outward ones."
Mac was peering at her with a shrewd smile on his lips, but such a
kindly look behind the glasses, that she found both words and glance
very pleasant, and answered merrily,--
"I am glad you approve of me, and much obliged for your care of my
early youth. I hope to be a credit to you, and depend on your keeping
me straight; for I'm afraid I shall be spoilt among you all."
"I'll keep my eye on you upon one condition," replied the youthful
Mentor.
"Name it."
"If you are going to have a lot of lovers round, I wash my hands of
you. If not, I'm your man."
"You must be sheep-dog, and help keep them away; for I don't want any
yet awhile; and, between ourselves, I don't believe I shall have any
if it is known that I am strong-minded. That fact will scare most men
away like a yellow flag," said Rose: for, thanks to Dr. Alec's
guardianship, she had wasted neither heart nor time in the foolish
flirtations so many girls fritter away their youth upon.
"Hum! I rather doubt that," muttered Mac, as he surveyed the damsel
before him.
She certainly did not look unpleasantly strong-minded, for she _was_
beautiful in spite of her modest denials. Beautiful with the truest
sort of beauty; for nobility of character lent its subtle charm to the
bloom of youth, the freshness of health, the innocence of a nature
whose sweet maidenliness Mac felt but could not describe. Gentle yet
full of spirit, and all aglow with the earnestness that suggests
lovely possibilities, and makes one hope that such human flowers may
have heaven's purest air and warmest sunshine to blossom in.
"Wait and see," answered Rose; then, as her uncle's voice was heard in
the hall, she held out her hand, adding pleasantly, "The old times are
to begin again, so come soon and tell me all your doings, and help me
with mine just as you used to do."
"You really mean it?" and Mac looked much pleased.
"I really do. You are so little altered, except to grow big, that I
don't feel at all strange with you, and want to begin where we left
off."
"That will be capital. Good-night, cousin," and to her great amazement
he gave her a hearty kiss.
"Oh, but that is not the old way at all!" cried Rose, stepping back in
merry confusion; while the audacious youth assumed an air of mild
surprise, as he innocently asked,--
"Didn't we always say good-night in that way? I had an impression that
we did, and were to begin just as we left off."
"Of course not; no power on earth would have bribed you to do it, as
you know well enough. I don't mind the first night, but we are too old
for that sort of thing now."
"I'll remember. It was the force of habit, I suppose; for I'm sure I
must have done it in former times, it seemed so natural. Coming,
father!" and Mac retired, evidently convinced that he was right.
"Dear old thing! he is as much a boy as ever, and that is such a
comfort; for some of the others have grown up very fast," said Rose to
herself, recalling Charlie's sentimental airs, and Archie's beatified
expression while Phebe sang.