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ROSE IN BLOOM
A Sequel to “Eight Cousins”
By Louisa May Alcott
Preface
As authors may be supposed to know better than anyone 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 fulfillment 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
Chapter 1. Coming Home
Chapter 2. Old Friends with New Faces
Chapter 3. Miss Campbell
Chapter 4. Thorns Among the Roses
Chapter 5. Prince Charming
Chapter 6. Polishing Mac
Chapter 7. Phebe
Chapter 8. Breakers Ahead
Chapter 9. New Year's Calls
Chapter 10. The Sad and Sober Part
Chapter 11. Small Temptations
Chapter 12. At Kitty's Ball
Chapter 13. Both Sides
Chapter 14. Aunt Clara's Plan
Chapter 15. Alas for Charlie!
Chapter 16. Good Works
Chapter 17. Among the Haycocks
Chapter 18. Which Was It?
Chapter 19. Behind the Fountain
Chapter 20. What Mac Did
Chapter 21. How Phebe Earned Her Welcome
Chapter 22. Short and Sweet
Chapter 1 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 eyeglasses 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
everything else was forgotten. As it swung slowly around 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 onto 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 blond girl nearby 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 four 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 traveling 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 bodkinwise
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 anyone. I will now,
if you don't mind.” And, to the great amusement of the rest, Mac gravely
adjusted his eyeglasses 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 anything 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 latest 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 laughter 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 laughingstock 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 to 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' means. I heard Uncle Mac say Charlie was sowing
'em too fast, and I asked Mama, 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 passersby 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 around 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 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 armchair, with Mac lounging over the back of it, while
Archie leaned on one corner of the low chimneypiece, 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! Anyone 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 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 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 anything to do
with love till I prove that I am something besides 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 anything 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 anything 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 anyone 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 head
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 Shanghai 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 see 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 blond 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 Cockscomb.”
“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 even 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 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 everyone's opinion when Rose put her arms around 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 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 boy-hood, and to change what she had
considered a childish joke into romantic earnest. 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 everyone 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 poorhouse 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 anyone had mentioned this astonishing fact, nobody would have
believed it; nevertheless, it was quite true, and sober, businesslike
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 chimneypiece, 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 the 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 until 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 outer 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 around, 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, and 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 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.