Eight Cousins

und the firstinstalment of gifts to the aunts and cousins. Rose was quite readyto go, being anxious to try a certain soft

rom Africa. Uncle Alec, very blue asto his clothes, and very brown as to his face, sat bolt upright,surveying well known places with interest, while Rose, fe

ad a room full ofcompany; and Aunt Jane showed such a tendency to discuss thepopulation, productions, a

will be athome," said Rose, with a sigh of relief, a

abouttogether."The instant Jamie saw the approaching guests he gave a shrillwhistle, which was answered by echoes from meadow, house andbarn, as the cousins came running from all direction

e fun right away! Quick!" bawled Will andGeordie amidst a general ripping off of p

he doctor before the boys were about her, eachclamouring for her to see his gift and rejoice over it with him, for"little Mum" went halves in everything. The great hornsskirmished about her as if to t

e Rose cover upher ears and Dr. Alec threaten instant flight if the riot was notquelled. That threat produced a lu

m going to be very happy, now uncle hascome. He does the queerest things, but he is so good to me I can'thelp loving him

badly when the year is over hewill be blamed, and his experiment prove a failure. That would bea pity, wouldn't it? when he wants to do so much for you, and cando it

ll! and when I get in a worry about things may Icome to you? Uncle told me to, and I feel as if I shouldn't beafraid.""You may, darling; this is the place where little troubles are best

till enjoying it till alittle voice said"Mamma, d

was very good ofher. Can I?""Who is Pokey?" asked

sked Jamie, who had beenmuch impressed

aughat me.""They don't laugh at me, and they play with my dolly a gre

bigto play with her, and yet I can't bear to throw her away, I'm

ike, for webelieve in dollies up here," began Aunt J

her, and making straight for theshells, scrambled up an armful, saying, with a laugh that showedher little white teeth"All for Dimmy and me, for Dimmy and me!""That's my

y call her Pokey?" asked Rose,

eryexpressive."It certainly was, for, having examined the shells, the busy tot laidhold of everything she could find, and continued her researches tillArchie caught her sucking his carved

mark"You'd better mind what you do, for I'm going to 'dopt Pokey likeRose did Phebe, and then you'll have to be very good to her, youbig fellows.""'Dopt away, baby, and I'll give you a cage to keep her in, or youwon't have

can't do anything, can she?"asked Jamie with pride, as he regarded his Pokey, who just thenhad been mov

unnin, to s

ired, escorted by Jamie, bothmaking

use I want to get youhome before sunset. W

music died away

yallowed on holidays."The words were hardly out of Aunt Jessie's mouth when Archiesaid, in a tone of command"Pass the word, lad

ring all about them, and went as fast as theycould pelt, with the gay dog-cart rattling in front, for Archie andCharlie scorned shelties since this magn

des, while her ladyship washanded out with great elegance by Uncle Alec. Then the Clansaluted, mounted a

aid Rose, skipping upthe steps with her head ove

y as soon as you are a l

ching her w

beasts! Theyroll their eyes and bounce about so, I shoul

er mind, then; come and see my new room"; and

e, andwas sorry she had objected so decidedly. She was a gr

k, and tell me what you

enter before him, whilePhebe was seen whi

od still, and gazedabout her with eyes that

windows one to theeast, that overlooked the bay; one to the south, where thehorse-chestnuts waved their green fans; and one to the west,towards the hill and the evening

quick instinct; then her eye took in the altered aspect of theroom, once so s

about, and quaint little tables in cosy corners; onebearing a pretty basket, one a desk, and on a third lay severalfamiliar-looking books. In a recess stood a narrow white bed, witha lovely Madonna hanging ove

water like a duck," sh

pen doorrevealed a tempting array of the drawers, shelves

ings," she thought, wonderingwhat h

!" was her next mentalexclamation,

alling on either side of the table, where appeared littleivory-handled brushes, two slender silver candle-sticks, a porcelainmatch-box, several pr

nd white frocks; the rowof little boots that stood below had never been on Dr. Alec's feet;the green bandbox had a gray veil straying out of it, and yes! thebag hanging on the door was certainly her own piece-bag, with ahole in one corner. She gave a quick look round the room andunderstood now why it had seemed too dainty for a man, why herTestament and Prayer Book were on the table by the bed, and whatthose rose-buds meant on the blue cushion. It came upon her inone delicious burst that this little para

l asif I didn't half deserve it. Aunt Jessie said you would spoil me, a

m after all!" and Rosetried to look as if she co

ou mighttake my three great remedies in the best and easiest way. Plenty ofsun, fresh air, and cold water; also cheerful surroundings, andsome work; for Phebe is to show you how to take care of thisroom, and be your little maid as well as friend and teacher. Doesthat sou

better than Aunt Myra's, anddon't wan