`` You talk of my afflicting the child , and then make a helpless guy like that of her ! '' answered the Doctor , pointing to the little fashion plate that was scuttling out of sight as fast as it could go . He closed the door with a shrug , but before anyone could speak , his quick eye fell upon an object which caused him to frown , and demand in an indignant tone , `` After all I have said , were you really going to tempt my girl with those abominable things ? '' `` I thought we put them away when she would n't wear them , '' murmured Mrs. Clara , whisking a little pair of corsets out of sight with guilty haste . `` I only brought them to try , for Rose is growing stout , and will have no figure if it is not attended to soon , '' she added , with an air of calm conviction that roused the Doctor still more , for this was one of his especial abominations . `` Growing stout ! Yes , thank Heaven , she is , and shall continue to do it , for Nature knows how to mould a woman better than any corset-maker , and I wo n't have her interfered with . My dear Clara , have you lost your senses that you can for a moment dream of putting a growing girl into an instrument of torture like this ? '' and with a sudden gesture he plucked forth the offending corsets from under the sofa cushion , and held them out with the expression one would wear on beholding the thumbscrews or the rack of ancient times . `` Do n't be absurd , Alec . There is no torture about it , for tight lacing is out of fashion , and we have nice , sensible things nowadays . Everyone wears them ; even babies have stiffened waists to support their weak little backs , '' began Mrs. Clara , rushing to the defence of the pet delusion of most women . `` I know it , and so the poor little souls have weak backs all their days , as their mothers had before them . It is vain to argue the matter , and I wo n't try , but I wish to state , once for all , that if I ever see a pair of corsets near Rose , I 'll put them in the fire , and you may send the bill to me . '' As he spoke the corsets were on their way to destruction , but Mrs. Jessie caught his arm , exclaiming merrily , `` Do n't burn them , for mercy sake , Alec ; they are full of whalebones , and will make a dreadful odour . Give them to me . I 'll see that they do no harm . '' `` Whalebones , indeed ! A regular fence of them , and metal gate-posts in front . As if our own bones were not enough , if we 'd give them a chance to do their duty , '' growled the Doctor , yielding up the bone of contention with a last shake of contempt .
Then his face cleared suddenly , and he XXXXX up his finger , saying , with a smile , `` Hear those girls laugh ; cramped lungs could not make hearty music like that . ''
Give Growing continue fell held interfered mould pointing try whisking