I can have secrets as well as other people '' ; and Rose walked off with an air of lofty independence that impressed her friends immensely . `` It 's some plot between uncle and herself , so we wo n't meddle . All right , Phebe ? Pull away , Prince '' ; and off they went to be received with much surprise by the islanders . This was the note Phebe bore : `` Dear Uncle , I am going to take Phebe 's place to-day , and let her have all the fun she can . Please do n't mind what she says , but keep her , and tell the boys to be very good to her for my sake . Do n't think it is easy to do this ; it is very hard to give up the best day of all , but I feel so selfish to have all the pleasure and Phebe none , that I wish to make this sacrifice . Do let me , and do n't laugh at it ; I truly do not wish to be praised , and I truly want to do it . Love to all from , `` Rose . '' `` Bless the little dear , what a generous heart she has ! Shall we go after her , Jessie , or let her have her way ? '' said Dr. Alec , after the first mingled amusement and astonishment had subsided . `` Let her alone , and do n't spoil her little sacrifice . She means it , I know , and the best way in which we can show our respect for her effort is to give Phebe a pleasant day . I 'm sure she has earned it '' ; and Mrs. Jessie made a sign to the boys to suppress their disappointment and exert themselves to please Rose 's guest . Phebe was with difficulty kept from going straight home , and declared that she should not enjoy herself one bit without Miss Rose . `` She wo n't hold out all day , and we shall see her paddling back before noon , I 'll wager anything , '' said Charlie ; and the rest so strongly inclined to his opinion that they resigned themselves to the loss of the little queen of the revels , sure that it would be only a temporary one . But hour after hour passed , and no signal appeared on the balcony , though Phebe watched it hopefully . No passing boat brought the truant back , though more than one pair of eyes looked out for the bright hair under the round hat ; and sunset came , bringing no Rose but the lovely colour in the western sky . `` 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 XXXXX that her sacrifice shall be a true one .
's appeared exert let made means meddle mind show subsided