Now , then , own up and take the consequences . '' So Rose told about her school in her pretty , earnest way , dwelling on Phebe 's hunger for knowledge , and the delight it was to help her , adding , with a wise nod , `` And it helps me too , uncle , for she is so quick and eager I have to do my best or she will get ahead of me in some things . To-day , now , she had the word ` cotton ' in a lesson and asked all about it , and I was ashamed to find I really knew so little that I could only say that it was a plant that grew down South in a kind of a pod , and was made into cloth . That 's what I was reading up when you came , and to-morrow I shall tell her all about it , and indigo too . So you see it teaches me also , and is as good as a general review of what I 've learned , in a pleasanter way than going over it alone . '' `` You artful little baggage ! that 's the way you expect to get round me , is it ? That 's not studying , I suppose ? '' `` No , sir , it 's teaching ; and please , I like it much better than having a good time by myself . Besides , you know , I adopted Phebe and promised to be a sister to her , so I am bound to keep my word , am I not ? '' answered Rose , looking both anxious and resolute as she waited for her sentence . Dr. Alec was evidently already won , for Rose had described the old slate and brown paper copy-book with pathetic effect , and the excellent man had not only decided to send Phebe to school long before the story was done , but reproached himself for forgetting his duty to one little girl in his love for another . So when Rose tried to look meek and failed utterly , he laughed and pinched her cheek , and answered in that genial way which adds such warmth and grace to any favour , `` I have n't the slightest objection in the world . In fact , I was beginning to think I might let you go at your books again , moderately , since you are so well ; and this is an excellent way to try your powers . Phebe is a brave , bright lass , and shall have a fair chance in the world , if we can give it to her , so that if she ever finds her friends they need not be ashamed of her . '' `` I think she has found some already , '' began Rose eagerly . `` Hey ? what ? has anyone turned up since I 've been gone ? '' asked Dr. Alec quickly , for it was a firm belief in the family that Phebe would prove to be `` somebody '' sooner or later .
`` No , her best friend XXXXX up when you came home , uncle , '' answered Rose with an approving pat , adding gratefully , `` I ca n't half thank you for being so good to my girl , but she will , because I know she is going to make a woman to be proud of , she 's so strong and true , and loving . ''
answered found get gone having like need say turned waited