answered Phebe , opening a drawer as if about to sweep her own affairs out of sight ; but Rose stopped her , exclaiming , like a curious child , `` Let me see ! What is it ? I wo n't tell if you 'd rather not have Dolly know . '' `` I 'm only trying to study a bit ; but I 'm so stupid I do n't get on much , '' answered the girl reluctantly , permitting her little mistress to examine the poor contrivances she was trying to work with . A broken slate that had blown off the roof , an inch or two of pencil , an old almanac for a reader , several bits of brown or yellow paper ironed smoothly and sewn together for a copy-book , and the copies sundry receipts written in Aunt Plenty 's neat hand . These , with a small bottle of ink and a rusty pen , made up Phebe 's outfit , and it was little wonder that she did not `` get on '' in spite of the patient persistence that dried the desponding tears and drove along the sputtering pen with a will . `` You may laugh if you want to , Miss Rose , I know my things are queer , and that 's why I hide 'em ; but I do n't mind since you 've found me out , and I ai n't a bit ashamed except of being so backward at my age , '' said Phebe humbly , though her cheeks grew redder as she washed out some crooked capitals with a tear or two not yet dried upon the slate . `` Laugh at you ! I feel more like crying to think what a selfish girl I am , to have loads of books and things and never remember to give you some . Why did n't you come and ask me , and not go struggling along alone in this way ? It was very wrong of you , Phebe , and I 'll never forgive you if you do so again , '' answered Rose , with one hand on Phebe 's shoulder , while the other gently turned the leaves of the poor little copy-book . `` I did n't like to ask for anything more when you are so good to me all the time , miss , dear , '' began Phebe , looking up with grateful eyes . `` O you proud thing ! just as if it was n't fun to give away , and I had the best of it . Now , see here , I 've got a plan and you must n't say no , or I shall scold . I want something to do , and I 'm going to teach you all I know ; it wo n't take long , '' and Rose laughed as she put her arm around Phebe 's neck , and patted the smooth dark head with the kind little hand that so loved to give . `` It would be just heavenly ! '' and Phebe 's face shone at the mere idea ; but fell again as she added wistfully , `` Only I 'm afraid I ought not to let you do it , Miss Rose . It will take time , and maybe the Doctor would n't like it . '' `` He did n't want me to study much , but he never said a word about teaching , and I do n't believe he will mind a bit .
Anyway , we can try it till he comes , so pack up your things and go right to my room and we 'll begin this very day ; I 'd truly like to do it , and we 'll have nice times , XXXXX if we do n't ! ''
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