"Uncle, I have discovered what girls are made for," said Rose, theday after the reconciliation of Archie and the Prince.

　　"Well, my dear, what is it?" asked Dr. Alec, who was "planking thedeck," as he called his daily promenade up and down the hall.

　　"To take care of boys," answered Rose, quite beaming withsatisfaction as she spoke. "Phebe laughed when I told her, and saidshe thought girls had better learn to take care of themselves first.

　　But that's because she hasn't got seven boy-cousins as I have.""She is right, nevertheless, Rosy, and so are you, for the two thingsgo together, and in helping seven lads you are unconsciously doingmuch to improve one lass," said Dr. Alec, stopping to nod andsmile at the bright-faced figure resting on the old bamboo chair,after a lively game of battledore and shuttlecock, in place of a runwhich a storm prevented.

　　"Am I? I'm glad of that; but really, uncle, I do feel as if I must takecare of the boys, for they come to me in all sorts of troubles, andask advice, and I like it so much. Only I don't always know what todo, and I'm going to consult you privately and then surprise themwith my wisdom.""All right, my dear; what's the first worry? I see you havesomething on your little mind, so come and tell uncle."Rose put her arm in his, and, pacing to and fro, told him all aboutCharlie, asking what she could do to keep him straight, and be areal sister to him.

　　"Could you make up your mind to go and stay with Aunt Clara amonth?" asked the Doctor, when she ended.

　　"Yes, sir; but I shouldn't like it. Do you really want me to go?""The best cure for Charlie is a daily dose of Rose water, or Roseand water, or Rose and water; will you go and see that he takes it?"laughed Dr. Alec.

　　"You mean that if I'm there and try to make it pleasant, he will stayat home and keep out of mischief?""Exactly.""But could I make it pleasant? He would want the boys.""No danger but he'd have the boys, for they swarm after you likebees after their queen. Haven't you found that out?""Aunt Plen often says they never used to be here half so muchbefore I came, but I never thought I made the difference, it seemedso natural to have them round.""Little modesty doesn't know what a magnet she is; but she willfind it out some day," and the Doctor softly stroked the cheek thathad grown rosy with pleasure at the thought of being so muchloved. "Now, you see, if I move the magnet to Aunt Clara's, thelads will go there as sure as iron to steel, and Charlie will be sohappy at home he won't care for these mischievous mates of his Ihope," added the Doctor, well knowing how hard it was to wean aseventeen-year-old boy from his first taste of what is called "seeinglife," which, alas! often ends in seeing death.

　　"I'll go, uncle, right away! Aunt Clara is always asking me, andwill be glad to get me. I shall have to dress and dine late, and seelots of company, and be very fashionable, but I'll try not to let ithurt me; and if I get in a puzzle or worried about anything I canrun to you," answered Rose, good-will conquering timidity.

　　So it was decided, and without saying much about the real reasonfor this visit, Rose was transplanted to Aunt Clara's, feeling thatshe had a work to do, and very eager to do it well.

　　Dr. Alec was right about the bees, for the boys did follow theirqueen, and astonished Mrs. Clara by their sudden assiduity inmaking calls, dropping in to dinner, and getting up evening frolics.

　　Charlie was a devoted host, and tried to show his gratitude bybeing very kind to his "little sister," for he guessed why she came,and his heart was touched by her artless endeavours to "help himbe good."Rose often longed to be back in the old house with the simplerpleasures and more useful duties of the life there; but, havingmade up her mind, in spite of Phebe, that "girls were made to takecare of boys," here motherly little soul found much to enjoy in thenew task she had undertaken.

　　It was a pretty sight to see the one earnest, sweet-faced girl amongthe flock of tall lads, trying to understand, to help and please themwith a patient affection that worked many a small miracleunperceived. Slang, rough manners, and careless habits werebanished or bettered by the presence of a little gentlewoman; andall the manly virtues cropping up were encouraged by the heartyadmiration bestowed upon them by one whose good opinion allvalued more than they confessed; while Rose tried to imitate thegood qualities she praised in them, to put away her girlish vanitiesand fears, to be strong and just, and frank and brave, as well asmodest, kind, and beautiful.

　　This trial worked so well that when the month was over, Mac andSteve demanded a visit in their turn, and Rose went, feeling thatshe would like to hear grim Aunt Jane say, as Aunt Clara did atparting, "I wish I could keep you all my life, dear."After Mac and Steve had had their turn, Archie and Company boreher away for some weeks; and with them she was so happy, shefelt as if she would like to stay for ever, if she could have UncleAlec also.

　　Of course, Aunt Myra could not be neglected, and, with secretdespair, Rose went to the "Mausoleum," as the boys called hergloomy abode. Fortunately, she was very near home, and Dr. Alecdropped in so often that her visit was far less dismal than sheexpected. Between them, they actually made Aunt Myra laughheartily more than once; and Rose did her so much good by lettingin the sunshine, singing about the silent house, cooking wholesomemesses, and amusing the old lady with funny little lectures onphysiology, that she forgot to take her pills and gave up "Mum'sElixir," because she slept so well, after the long walks and drivesshe was beguiled into taking, that she needed no narcotic.

　　So the winter flew rapidly away, and it was May before Rose wasfairly settled again at home. They called her the "Monthly Rose,"because she had spent a month with each of the aunts, and leftsuch pleasant memories of bloom and fragrance behind her, thatall wanted the family flower back again.

　　Dr. Alec rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure; but as thetime drew near when his year of experiment ended, he had many asecret fear that Rose might like to make her home for the nexttwelve month with Aunt Jessie, or even Aunt Clara, for Charlie'ssake. He said nothing, but waited with much anxiety for the daywhen the matter should be decided; and while he waited he did hisbest to finish as far as possible the task he had begun so well.

　　Rose was very happy now, being out nearly all day enjoying thebeautiful awakening of the world, for spring came bright and early,as if anxious to do its part. The old horse-chestnuts budded roundher windows, green things sprung up like magic in the gardenunder her hands, hardy flowers bloomed as fast as they could, thebirds sang blithely overhead, and every day a chorus of pleasantvoices cried, "Good morning, cousin, isn't it jolly weather?"No one remembered the date of the eventful conversation whichresulted in the Doctor's experiment (no one but himself at least);so when the aunts were invited to tea one Saturday they came quiteunsuspiciously, and were all sitting together having a social chat,when Brother Alec entered with two photographs in his hand.

　　"Do you remember that?" he said, showing one to Aunt Clara, whohappened to be nearest.

　　"Yes, indeed; it is very like her when she came. Quite her sad,unchildlike expression, and thin little face, with the big dark eyes."The picture was passed round, and all agreed that "it was very likeRose a year ago." This point being settled, the Doctor showed thesecond picture, which was received with great approbation, andpronounced a &qu............