`` I really did not think the child had it in her . I fancied it was a bit of sentiment , but I see she was in earnest , and means that her sacrifice shall be a true one . Dear little soul ! I 'll make it up to her a thousand times over , and beg her pardon for thinking it might be done for effect , '' Dr. Alec said remorsefully , as he strained his eyes through the dusk , fancying he saw a small figure sitting in the garden as it had sat on the keg the night before , laying the generous little plot that had cost more than he could guess . `` Well , she ca n't help seeing the fireworks , any way , unless she is goose enough to think she must hide in a dark closet and not look , '' said Archie , who was rather disgusted at Rose 's seeming ingratitude . `` She will see ours capitally , but miss the big ones on the hill , unless papa has forgotten all about them , '' added Steve , cutting short the harangue Mac had begun upon the festivals of the ancients . `` I 'm sure the sight of her will be better than the finest fireworks that ever went off , '' said Phebe , meditating an elopement with one of the boats if she could get a chance . `` Let things work ; if she resists a brilliant invitation we give her she will be a heroine , '' added Uncle Alec , secretly hoping that she would not . Meanwhile Rose had spent a quiet , busy day helping Dolly , waiting on Aunt Peace , and steadily resisting Aunt Plenty 's attempts to send her back to the happy island . It had been hard in the morning to come in from the bright world outside , with flags flying , cannon booming , crackers popping , and everyone making ready for a holiday , and go to washing cups , while Dolly grumbled and the aunts lamented . It was very hard to see the day go by , knowing how gay each hour must have been across the water , and how a word from her would take her where she longed to be with all her heart . But it was hardest of all when evening came and Aunt Peace was asleep , Aunt Plenty seeing a gossip in the parlor , Dolly established in the porch to enjoy the show , and nothing left for the little maid to do but sit alone in her balcony and watch the gay rockets whizz up from island , hill , and city , while bands played and boats laden with happy people went to and fro in the fitful light . Then it must be confessed that a tear or two dimmed the blue eyes , and once , when a very brilliant display illuminated the island for a moment , and she fancied she saw the tents , the curly head went down on the railing , and a wide-awake nasturtium heard a little whisper , `` I hope someone wishes I was there ! '' The tears were all gone , however , and she was watching the hill and island answer each other with what Jamie called `` whizzers , whirligigs and busters , '' and smiling as she thought how hard the boys must be working to keep up such a steady fire , when Uncle Mac came walking in upon her , saying hurriedly , `` Come , child , put on your tippet , pelisse , or whatever you call it , and run off with me . I came to get Phebe , but aunt says she is gone , so I want you . I 've got Fun down in the boat , and I want you to go with us and see my fireworks . Got them up for you , and you must n't miss them , or I shall be disappointed . '' `` But , uncle , '' began Rose , feeling as if she ought to refuse even a glimpse of bliss , `` perhaps -- '' `` I know , my dear , I know ; aunt told me ; but no one needs you now so much as I do , and I insist on your coming , '' said Uncle Mac , who seemed in a great hurry to be off , yet was unusually kind . So Rose went and found the little Chinaman with a funny lantern waiting to help her in and convulse her with laughter trying to express his emotions in pigeon English . The city clocks were striking nine as they got out into the bay , and the island fireworks seemed to be over , for no rocket answered the last Roman candle that shone on the Aunt-hill .
`` Ours are done , I see , but they are going up all round the city , and how pretty they are , '' XXXXX Rose , folding her mantle about her , and surveying the scene with pensive interest .
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