"What in the world is my girl thinking about all alone here, withsuch a solemn face?" asked Dr. Alec, coming into the study, oneNovember day, to find Rose sitting there with folded hands and avery thoughtful aspect.
"Uncle, I want to have some serious conversation with you, if youhave time," she said, coming out of a brown study, as if she hadnot heard his question.
"I'm entirely at your service, and most happy to listen," heanswered, in his politest manner, for when Rose put on herwomanly little airs he always treated her with a playful sort ofrespect that pleased her very much.
Now, as he sat down beside her, she said, very soberly"I've been trying to decide what trade I would learn, and I want youto advise me.""Trade, my dear?" and Dr. Alec looked so astonished that shehastened to explain.
"I forgot that you didn't hear the talk about it up at Cosey Corner.
You see we used to sit under the pines and sew, and talk a greatdeal all the ladies, I mean and I liked it very much. MotherAtkinson thought that everyone should have a trade, or somethingto make a living out of, for rich people may grow poor, you know,and poor people have to work. Her girls were very clever, andcould do ever so many things, and Aunt Jessie thought the old ladywas right; so when I saw how happy and independent those youngladies were, I wanted to have a trade, and then it wouldn't matterabout money, though I like to have it well enough."Dr. Alec listened to this explanation with a curious mixture ofsurprise, pleasure, and amusement in his face, and looked at hislittle niece as if she had suddenly changed into a young woman.
She had grown a good deal in the last six months, and an amountof thinking had gone on in that young head which would haveastonished him greatly could he have known it all, for Rose wasone of the children who observe and meditate much, and now andthen nonplus their friends by a wise or curious remark.
"I quite agree with the ladies, and shall be glad to help you decideon something if I can," said the Doctor seriously. "What do youincline to? A natural taste or talent is a great help in choosing, youknow.""I haven't any talent, or any especial taste that I can see, and that iswhy I can't decide, uncle. So, I think it would be a good plan topick out some very useful business and learn it, because I don't doit for pleasure, you see, but as a part of my education, and to beready in case I'm ever poor," answered Rose, looking as if sherather longed for a little poverty so that her useful gift might beexercised.
"Well, now, there is one very excellent, necessary, and womanlyaccomplishment that no girl should be without, for it is a help torich and poor, and the comfort of families depends upon it. Thisfine talent is neglected nowadays, and considered old-fashioned,which is a sad mistake, and one that I don't mean to make inbringing up my girl. It should be a part of every girl's education,and I know of a most accomplished lady who will teach you in thebest and pleasantest manner.""Oh, what is it?" cried Rose eagerly, charmed to be met in thishelpful and cordial way.
"Housekeeping!" answered Dr. Alec.
"Is that an accomplishment?" asked Rose, while her face fell, forshe had indulged in all sorts of vague, delightful dreams.
"Yes; it is one of the most beautiful as well as useful of all the artsa woman can learn. Not so romantic, perhaps, as singing, painting,writing, or teaching, even; but one that makes many happy andcomfortable, and home the sweetest place in the world. Yes, youmay open your big eyes; but it is a fact that I had rather see you agood housekeeper than the greatest belle in the city. It need notinterfere with any talent you may possess, but it is a necessary partof your training, and I hope that you will set about it at once, nowthat you are well and strong.""Who is the lady?" asked Rose, rather impressed by her uncle'searnest speech.
"Aunt Plenty.""Is she accomplished?" began Rose in a wondering tone, for thisgreat-aunt of hers had seemed the least cultivated of them all.
"In the good old-fashioned way she is very accomplished, and hasmade this house a happy home to us all, ever since we canremember. She is not elegant, but genuinely good, and so belovedand respected that there will be universal mourning for her whenher place is empty. No one can fill it, for the solid, homely virtuesof the dear soul have gone out of fashion, as I say, and nothing newcan be half so satisfactory, to me at least.""I should like to have people feel so about me. Can she teach me todo what she does, and to grow as good?" asked Rose, with a littleprick of remorse for even thinking that Aunt Plenty was acommonplace old lady.
"Yes, if you don't despise such simple lessons as she can give. Iknow it would fill her dear old heart with pride and pleasure tofeel that anyone cared to learn of her, for she fancies her day goneby. Let her teach you how to be what she has been a skilful, frugal,cheerful housewife; the maker and the keeper of a happy home,and by and by you will see what a valuable lesson it is.""I will, uncle. But how shall I begin?""I'll speak to her about it, and she will make it all right with Dolly,for cooking is one of the main things, you know.""So it is! I don't mind that a bit, for I like to mess, and used to tryat home; but I had no one to tell me, so I never did much but spoilmy aprons. Pies are great fun, only Dolly is so cross, I don't believeshe will ever let me do a thing in the kitchen.""Then we'll cook in the parlour. I fancy Aunt Plenty will manageher, so don't be troubled. Only mind this, I'd rather you learnedhow to make good bread than the best pies ever baked. When youbring me a handsome, wholesome loaf, entirely made by yourself,I shall be more pleased than if you offered me a pair of slippersembroidered in the very latest style. I don't wish to bribe you, butI'll give you my heartiest kiss, and promise to eat every crumb ofthe loaf myself.""It's a bargain! it's a bargain! Come and tell aunty all about it, forI'm in a hurry to begin," cried Rose, dancing before him toward theparlor, where Miss Plenty sat alone knitting contentedly, yet readyto run at the first call for help of any sort, from any quarter.
No need to tell how surprised and gratified she was at theinvitation she received to teach the child the domestic arts whichwere her only accomplishments, nor to relate how energeticallyshe set about her pleasant task. Dolly dared not grumble, for MissPlenty was the one person whom she obeyed, and Phebe openlyrejoiced, for these new lessons brought Rose nearer to her, andglorified the kitchen in the good girl's eyes.
To tell the truth, the elder aunts had sometimes felt that they didnot have quite their share of the little niece who had won theirhearts long ago, and was the sunshine of the house. They talked itover together sometimes, but always ended by saying that as Alechad all the responsibility, he should have the larger share of thedear girl's love and time, and they would be contented with suchcrumbs of comfort as they could get.
Dr. Alec had found out this little secret, and, after reproachinghimself for being blind and selfish, was trying to devise some wayof mending matters without troubling anyone, when Rose's newwhim suggested an excellent method of weaning her a little fromhimself. He did not know how fond he was of her till he gave herup to the new teacher, and often could not resist peeping in at thedoor to see how she got on, or stealing sly looks through the slidewhen she was deep in dough, or listening intently to someimpressive lecture from Aunt Plenty. They caught him at it nowand then, and ordered him off the premises at the point of therolling-pin; or, if unusually successful, and, therefore, in a mildermood, they lured him away with bribes of ginger-bread, a straypickle, or a tart that was not quite symmetrical enough to suit theircritical eyes.
Of course he made a point of parta............