` Dopt away , baby , and I 'll give you a cage to keep her in , or you wo n't have her long , for she is getting worse than a monkey '' ; and Archie went back to his mates , while Aunt Jessie , foreseeing a crisis , proposed that Jamie should take his dolly home , as she was borrowed , and it was time her visit ended . `` My dolly is better than yours , is n't she ? 'cause she can walk and talk and sing and dance , and yours ca n't do anything , can she ? '' asked Jamie with pride , as he regarded his Pokey , who just then had been moved to execute a funny little jig and warble the well-known couplet , '' ` Puss-tat , puss-tat , where you been ? ' ' I been Lunnin , to saw a Tween . '' ' After which superb display she retired , escorted by Jamie , both making a fearful din blowing on conch shells . `` We must tear ourselves away , Rose , because I want to get you home before sunset . Will you come for a drive , Jessie ? '' said Dr. Alec , as the music died away in the distance . `` No , thank you ; but I see the boys want a scamper , so , if you do n't mind , they may escort you home , but not go in . That is only allowed on holidays . '' The words were hardly out of Aunt Jessie 's mouth when Archie said , in a tone of command , `` Pass the word , lads . Boot and saddle , and be quick about it . '' `` All right ! '' And in a moment not a vestige of boy remained but the litter on the floor . The cavalcade went down the hill at a pace that made Rose cling to her uncle 's arm , for the fat old horses got excited by the antics of the ponies careering all about them , and went as fast as they could pelt , with the gay dog-cart rattling in front , for Archie and Charlie scorned shelties since this magnificent equipage had been set up . Ben enjoyed the fun , and the lads cut up capers till Rose declared that `` circus '' was the proper name for them after all . When they reached the house they dismounted , and stood , three on each side the steps , in martial attitudes , while her ladyship was handed out with great elegance by Uncle Alec . Then the Clan saluted , mounted at word of command , and with a wild whoop tore down the avenue in what they considered the true Arab style . `` That was splendid , now it is safely ended , '' said Rose , skipping up the steps with her head over her shoulder to watch the dear tassels bob about .
`` I shall get you a pony as soon as you are a little stronger , '' XXXXX Dr. Alec , watching her with a smile .
enjoyed foreseeing handed proposed regarded remained said skipping stood tore