Eight cousins : or, The aunt-hill

—;UNCLE ALEC'S ROOM. 69" O uncle, you are too good to me ! I '11 do anything you ask me ;ride wild horses and take freezingbaths and eat bad-tasting messes, and let my clotheshang on me, to show how much I thank you for this"dear, sweet, lovely room !"You like it, then? But why do you think it isyours, my lass ? " asked Dr. Alec, as he sat down lookingwell jileased, and drew his excited little niece tohisknee." I don't thinJi^ I knov^ it is for me ; I see it in yourface, and I feel as if I did n't half deserve it. AuntJessie said you would si)oil me, and I must not let you.I 'm afraid this looks like it, and perhaps, — oh me —!perhaps I ought not to have this beautiful room afterall ! " and Rose tried to look as if she could be heroicenough to give it up if it was best."I owe Mrs. Jessie one for that," said Dr. Alec,trjdng to frown, though in his secret soul he felt thatshe was quite right. Then he smiled that cordialsmile, which was like sunshine on his brown face, ashe said," This is part of the cure, Rose, and I put you herethat you might take my three great remedies in thebest and easiest Avay. Plenty of sun, fresh air, andcold water ; also cheerful surroundings and some Avorkfor Phebe is to show you how to take care of thisroom, and be your little maid as well as friend andteacher. Does that sound hard and disagreeable toyou, dear?"" No, sir ; very, very pleasant, and I '11 do my bestto be a good patient. But I really don't think anyone could be sick in this delightful room," she said,