Eight cousins : or, The aunt-hill

48 EIGHT COUSINS." That 's a handsome offer, I 'm sure. I '11 stay,ma'am ; here 's my little anchor, so you will get morethan you want of me this time.""That's impossible! Put on your jacket, Rose.Don't tire her out with antics. Alec. Yes, sister,I 'm coming ! " and the cabbage vanished suddenly.The first milking lesson was a droll one ; but afterseveral scares and many vain attempts. Rose at lastmanaged to fill her cup, while Ben held Clover's tail80 that it could not flap, and Dr. Alec kept her fromturning to stare at the new milk-maid, who objectedto both these proceedings very much." You look chilly in spite of all this laughing.Take a smart run round the garden and get up aglow," said the doctor, as they left the barn." I 'm too old for running, uncle ; Miss Power saidit was not lady-like for girlsin their teens," answeredRose primly." I take the liberty of differing from MadamePrunes and Prisms, and, as your physician, I orderyou to run. Off with you!" said Uncle Alec, witha look and a gesture that made Rose scurry awayas fast as she could go.Anxious to please him, she raced round the beds tillshe came back to the porch where he stood, and,dropping down upon the steps, she sat panting, withcheeks as rosy as the rigolette on her shoulders." Very well done, child ; I see you have not lost theuse of your limbs though you are in your teens. Thatbelt is too tight ; unfasten it, then you can take a longbreath without panting so."" It is n't tight, sir ; I can breathe perfectly well,"began Rose, trying to compose herself.