Only one thing troubles me , uncle , and I want to ask you about it , '' said Rose , as they paced up and down the hall in the twilight , the bandaged hand very carefully laid on Dr. Alec 's arm . `` More little confidences ? I like them immensely , so tell away , my dear . '' `` Well , you see I feel as if Aunt Peace would like to do something for me , and I 've found out what it can be . You know she ca n't go about like Aunty Plen , and we are so busy nowadays that she is rather lonely , I 'm afraid . So I want to take lessons in sewing of her . She works so beautifully , and it is a useful thing , you know , and I ought to be a good needlewoman as well as housekeeper , ought n't I ? '' `` Bless your kind little heart , that is what I was thinking of the other day when Aunt Peace said she saw you very seldom now , you were so busy I wanted to speak of it , but fancied you had as much on your hands as you could manage . It would delight the dear woman to teach you all her delicate handicraft , especially button-holes , for I believe that is where young ladies fail ; at least , I 've heard them say so . So , do you devote your mind to button-holes ; make 'em all over my clothes if you want something to practice on . I 'll wear any quantity . '' Rose laughed at this reckless offer , but promised to attend to that important branch , though she confessed that darning was her weak point . Whereupon Uncle Alec engaged to supply her with socks in all stages of dilapidation , and to have a new set at once , so that she could run the heels for him as a pleasant beginning . Then they went up to make their request in due form , to the great delight of gentle Aunt Peace , who got quite excited with the fun that went on while they would yarn , looked up darning needles , and fitted out a nice little mending basket for her pupil . Very busy and very happy were Rose 's days now , for in the morning she went about the house with Aunt Plenty attending to linen-closets and store-rooms , pickling and preserving , exploring garret and cellar to see that all was right , and learning , in the good old-fashioned manner , to look well after the ways of the household . In the afternoon , after her walk or drive , she sat with Aunt Peace plying her needle , while Aunt Plenty , whose eyes were failing , knitted and chatted briskly , telling many a pleasant story of old times , till the three were moved to laugh and cry together , for the busy needles were embroidering all sorts of bright patterns on the lives of the workers , though they seemed to be only stitching cotton and darning hose . It was a pretty sight to see the rosy-faced little maid sitting between the two old ladies , listening dutifully to their instructions , and cheering the lessons with her lively chatter and blithe laugh . If the kitchen had proved attractive to Dr. Alec when Rose was there at work , the sewing-room was quite irresistible , and he made himself so agreeable that no one had the heart to drive him away , especially when he read aloud or spun yarns . `` There ! I 've made you a new set of warm night-gowns with four button-holes in each .
See if they are not neatly done , '' XXXXX Rose , one day , some weeks after the new lessons began .
Bless attending delight listening made make read said saw tell