"Littlemodesty doesn't know what a magnet she is; but shejordanshose will find it out some day," and the Doctor softly stroked thecheek that had grown rosy with pleasure at the thought of being somuch loved. "Now, you see, if I move the magnet to Aunt Clara's,the lads will go there as sure as iron to steel, and Charlie will beso happy at home he won't care for these mischievous mates of his Ihope," added the cheaphiking bootDoctor, well knowing how hard it was to wean a seventeen-year-old boyfrom his first taste of what is called "seeing life,"which, alas! often ends in seeing death.
"I'llgo, uncle, right away! Aunt Clara is always asking me, and will beglad to get boyshiking bootsme. I shall have to dress and dine late, and see lots of company, andbe very fashionable, but I'll try not to let it hurt me; and if I getin a puzzle or worried about anything I can run to you,"answered Rose, good-will conquering timidity.
Soit was decided, and without saying much about the real reason forthis visit, Rose was transpbootsshoes salelanted to Aunt Clara's, feeling that she had a work to do, and veryeager to do it well.
Dr.Alec was right about the bees, for the boys did follow their queen,and astonished Mrs. Clara by their sudden assiduityredsuede bootin making calls, dropping in to dinner, and getting up eveningfrolics. Charlie was a devoted host, and tried to show his gratitudeby being very kind to his "little sister," for he guessedwhy she came, and his heart was touched by her artless endeavours to"help him be good."
Roseoften longed to bebootsback in the old house with the simpler pleasures and more usefulduties of the life there; but, having made up her mind, in spite ofPhebe, that "girls were made to take care of boys," heremotherly little soul found much to enjoy in the new task she hadundertaken.
Itwas a pretty sight to seesheepskin bootthe one earnest, sweet-faced girl among the flock of tall lads,trying to understand, to help and please them with a patientaffection that worked many a small miracle unperceived. Slang, roughmanners, and careless habits were banished or bettered by thepresence of a little gentlewoman; and all the manly virtues croppingup weresummerboot camps for boysencouraged by the hearty admiration bestowed upon them by one whosegood opinion all valued more than they confessed; while Rose tried toimitate the good qualities she praised in them, to put away hergirlish vanities and fears, to be strong and just, and frank andbrave, as well as modest, kind, andbootwomens salebeautiful.
Thistrial worked so well that when the month was over, Mac and Stevedemanded a visit in their turn, and Rose went, feeling that she wouldlike to hear grim Aunt Jane say, as Aunt Clara did at parting, "Iwish I could keep you all myskecherswomens bootslife, dear."
AfterMac and Steve had had their turn, Archie and Company bore her awayfor some weeks; and with them she was so happy, she felt as if shewould like to stay for ever, if she could have Uncle Alec also.
Ofcourse, Aunt Myra velcrobootcould not be neglected, and, with secret despair, Rose went to the"Mausoleum," as the boys called her gloomy abode.Fortunately, she was very near home, and Dr. Alec dropped in so oftenthat her visit was far less dismal than she expected.
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