Eight Cousins

  Chapter 16--Bread and Button-Holes

  "What in the world is my girl thinking about all alone here, with sucha solemn face?" asked Dr. Alec, coming into the study, one Novemberday, to find Rose sitting there with folded hands and a very thoughtfulaspect.

  "Uncle, I want to have some serious conversation with you, if you havetime," she said, coming out of a brown study, as if she had not heardhis question.

  "I'm entirely at your service, and most happy to listen," he answered,in his politest manner, for when Rose put on her womanly little airs healways treated her with a playful sort of respect that pleased her verymuch.

  Now, as he sat down beside her, she said, very soberly,

  "I've been trying to decide what trade I would learn, and I want you toadvise me."

  "Trade, my dear?" and Dr. Alec looked so astonished that she hastened toexplain.

  "I forgot that you didn't hear the talk about it up at Cosey Corner. Yousee we used to sit under the pines and sew, and talk a great deal allthe ladies, I mean and I liked it very much. Mother Atkinson thoughtthat everyone should have a trade, or something to make a living out of,for rich people may grow poor, you know, and poor people have to work.Her girls were very clever, and could do ever so many things, and AuntJessie thought the old lady was right; so when I saw how happy andindependent those young ladies were, I wanted to have a trade, and thenit wouldn't matter about money, though I like to have it well enough."

  Dr. Alec listened to this explanation with a curious mixture ofsurprise, pleasure, and amusement in his face, and looked at his littleniece as if she had suddenly changed into a young woman. She had grown agood deal in the last six months, and an amount of thinking had gone onin that young head which would have astonished him greatly could he haveknown it all, for Rose was one of the children who observe and meditatemuch, and now and then nonplus their friends by a wise or curiousremark.

  "I quite agree with the ladies, and shall be glad to help you decide onsomething if I can," said the Doctor seriously. "What do you incline to?A natural taste or talent is a great help in choosing, you know."

  "I haven't any talent, or any especial taste that I can see, and that iswhy I can't decide, uncle. So, I think it would be a good plan to pickout some very useful business and learn it, because I don't do it forpleasure, you see, but as a part of my education, and to be ready incase I'm ever poor," answered Rose, looking as if she rather longed fora little poverty so that her useful gift might be exercised.

  "Well, now, there is one very excellent, necessary, and womanlyaccomplishment that no girl should be without, for it is a help to richand poor, and the comfort of families depends upon it. This fine talentis neglected nowadays, and considered old-fashioned, which is a sadmistake, and one that I don't mean to make in bringing up my girl.It should be a part of every girl's education, and I know of a mostaccomplished lady who will teach you in the best and pleasantestmanner."

  "Oh, what is it?" cried Rose eagerly, charmed to be met in this helpfuland cordial way.

  "Housekeeping!" answered Dr. Alec.

  "Is that an accomplishment?" asked Rose, while her face fell, for shehad indulged in all sorts of vague, delightful dreams.

  "Yes; it is one of the most beautiful as well as useful of all thearts a woman can learn. Not so romantic, perhaps, as singing,painting, writing, or teaching, even; but one that makes many happy andcomfortable, and home the sweetest place in the world. Yes, you mayopen your big eyes; but it is a fact that I had rather see you a goodhousekeeper than the greatest belle in the city. It need not interferewith any talent you may possess, but it is a necessary part of yourtraining, and I hope that you will set about it at once, now that youare well and strong."

  "Who is the lady?" asked Rose, rather impressed by her uncle's earnestspeech.

  "Aunt Plenty."

  "Is she accomplished?" began Rose in a wondering tone, for thisgreat-aunt of hers had seemed the least cultivated of them all.

  "In the good old-fashioned way she is very accomplished, and has madethis house a happy home to us all, ever since we can remember. She isnot elegant, but genuinely good, and so beloved and respected that therewill be universal mourning for her when her place is empty. No one canfill it, for the solid, homely virtues of the dear soul have gone out offashion, as I say, and nothing new can be half so satisfactory, to me atleast."

  "I should like to have people feel so about me. Can she teach me to dowhat she does, and to grow as good?" asked Rose, with a little prick ofremorse for even thinking that Aunt Plenty was a commonplace old lady.

  "Yes, if you don't despise such simple lessons as she can give. I knowit would fill her dear old heart with pride and pleasure to feel thatanyone cared to learn of her, for she fancies her day gone by. Lether teach you how to be what she has been a skilful, frugal, cheerfulhousewife; the maker and the keeper of a happy home, and by and by youwill see what a valuable lesson it is."

  "I will, uncle. But how shall I begin?"

  "I'll speak to her about it, and she will make it all right with Dolly,for cooking is one of the main things, you know."

  "So it is! I don't mind that a bit, for I like to mess, and used to tryat home; but I had no one to tell me, so I never did much but spoil myaprons. Pies are great fun, only Dolly is so cross, I don't believe shewill ever let me do a thing in the kitchen."

  "Then we'll cook in the parlour. I fancy Aunt Plenty will manage her,so don't be troubled. Only mind this, I'd rather you learned how to makegood bread than the best pies ever baked. When you bring me a handsome,wholesome loaf, entirely made by yourself, I shall be more pleased thanif you offered me a pair of slippers embroidered in the very lateststyle. I don't wish to bribe you, but I'll give you my heartiest kiss,and promise to eat every crumb of the loaf myself."

  "It's a bargain! it's a bargain! Come and tell aunty all about it, forI'm in a hurry to begin," cried Rose, dancing before him toward theparlor, where Miss Plenty sat alone knitting contentedly, yet ready torun at the first call for help of any sort, from any quarter.

  No need to tell how surprised and gratified she was at the invitationshe received to teach the child the domestic arts which were her onlyaccomplishments, nor to relate how energetically she set about herpleasant task. Dolly dared not grumble, for Miss Plenty was the oneperson whom she obeyed, and Phebe openly rejoiced, for these new lessonsbrought Rose nearer to her, and glorified the kitchen in the good girl'seyes.

  To tell the truth, the elder aunts had sometimes felt that they did nothave quite their share of the little niece who had won their hearts longago, and was the sunshine of the house. They talked it over togethersometimes, but always ended by saying that as Alec had all theresponsibility, he should have the larger share of the dear girl's loveand time, and they would be contented with such crumbs of comfort asthey could get.

  Dr. Alec had found out this little secret, and, after reproachinghimself for being blind and selfish, was trying to devise some way ofmending matters without troubling anyone, when Rose's new whim suggestedan excellent method of weaning her a little from himself. He did notknow how fond he was of her till he gave her up to the new teacher, andoften could not resist peeping in at the door to see how she got on,or stealing sly looks through the slide when she was deep in dough, orlistening intently to some impressive lecture from Aunt Plenty. Theycaught him at it now and then, and ordered him off the premises at thepoint of the rolling-pin; or, if unusually successful, and, therefore,in a milder mood, they lured him away with bribes of ginger-bread, astray pickle, or a tart that was not quite symmetrical enough to suittheir critical eyes.

  Of course he made a point of partaking copiously of all the delectablemesses that now appeared at table, for both the cooks were on theirmettle, and he fared sumptuously every day. But an especial relishwas given to any dish when, in reply to his honest praise of it, Rosecoloured up with innocent pride, and said modestly,

  "I made that, uncle, and I'm glad you like it."

  It was some time before
the perfect loaf appeared, for bread-makingis an art not easily learned, and Aunt Plenty was very thorough in herteaching; so Rose studied yeast first, and through various stages ofcake and biscuit came at last to the crowning glory of the "handsome,wholesome loaf." It appeared at tea-time, on a silver salver, proudlyborne in by Phebe, who could not refrain from whispering, with a beamingface, as she set it down before Dr. Alec,

  "Ain't it just lovely, sir?"

  "It is a regularly splendid loaf! Did my girl make it all herself?" heasked, surveying the shapely, sweet-smelling object with real interestand pleasure.

  "Every particle herself, and never asked a bit of help or advicefrom anyone," answered Aunt Plenty, folding her hands with an air ofunmitigated satisfaction, for her pupil certainly did her great credit.

  "I've had so many failures and troubles that I really thought I nevershould be able to do it alone. Dolly let one splendid batch burn upbecause I forgot it. She was there and smelt it, but never did a thing,for she said, when I undertook to bake bread I must give my whole mindto it. Wasn't it hard? She might have called me at least," said Rose,recollecting, with a sigh, the anguish of that moment.

  "She meant you should learn by experience, as Rosamond did in thatlittle affair of the purple jar, you remember."

  "I always thought it very unfair in her mother not to warn the poorthing a little bit; and she was regularly mean when Rosamond asked for abowl to put the purple stuff in, and she said, in such a provoking way,'I did not agree to lend you a bowl, but I will, my dear.' Ugh! I alwayswant to shake that hateful woman, though she was a moral mamma."

  "Never mind her now, but tell me all about my loaf," said Dr. Alec, muchamused at Rose's burst of indignation.

  "There's nothing to tell, uncle, except that I did my best, gave my mindto it, and sat watching over it all the while it was in the oven till Iwas quite baked myself. Everything went right this time, and it came outa nice, round, crusty loaf, as you see. Now taste it, and tell me if itis good as well as handsome."

  "Must I cut it? Can't I put it under a glass cover and keep it in theparlor as they do wax flowers and fine works of that sort?"

  "What an idea, uncle! It would mould and be spoilt. Besides, peoplewould laugh at us, and make fun of my old-fashioned accomplishment. Youpromised to eat it, and you must; not all at once, but as soon as youcan, so I can make you some more."

  Dr. Alec solemnly cut off his favourite crusty slice, and solemnly ateit; then wiped his lips, and brushing back Rose's hair, solemnly kissedher on the forehead, saying, heartily,

  "My dear, it is perfect bread, and you are an honour to your teacher.When we have our model school I shall offer a prize for the best bread,and you will get it."

  "I've got it already, and I'm quite satisfied," said Rose, slipping intoher seat, and trying to hide her right hand which had a burn on it.

  But Dr. Alec saw it, guessed how it came there, and after tea insistedon easing the pain which she would hardly confess.

  "Aunt Clara says I am spoiling my hands, but I don't care, for I've hadsuch good times with Aunt Plenty, and I think she has enjoyed it asmuch as I have. Only one thing troubles me, uncle, and I want to askyou about it," said Rose, as they paced up and down the hall in thetwilight, 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 forme, and I've found out what it can be. You know she can't go about likeAunty 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 sobeautifully, and it is a useful thing, you know, and I ought to be agood needlewoman as well as housekeeper, oughtn't I?"

  "Bless your kind little heart, that is what I was thinking of the otherday when Aunt Peace said she saw you very seldom now, you were so busy Iwanted to speak of it, but fancied you had as much on your hands asyou could manage. It would delight the dear woman to teach you all herdelicate handicraft, especially button-holes, for I believe that iswhere young ladies fail; at least, I've heard them say so. So, do youdevote your mind to button-holes; make 'em all over my clothes if youwant something to practice on. I'll wear any quantity."

  Rose laughed at this reckless offer, but promised to attend to thatimportant branch, though she confessed that darning was her weak point.Whereupon Uncle Alec engaged to supply her with socks in all stages ofdilapidation, and to have a new set at once, so that she could run theheels for him as a pleasant beginning.

  Then they went up to make their request in due form, to the greatdelight of gentle Aunt Peace, who got quite excited with the fun thatwent on while they would yarn, looked up darning needles, and fitted outa nice little mending basket for her pupil.

  Very busy and very happy were Rose's days now, for in the morning shewent about the house with Aunt Plenty attending to linen-closets andstore-rooms, pickling and preserving, exploring garret and cellar to seethat all was right, and learning, in the good old-fashioned manner, tolook well after the ways of the household.

  In the afternoon, after her walk or drive, she sat with Aunt Peaceplying her needle, while Aunt Plenty, whose eyes were failing, knittedand chatted briskly, telling many a pleasant story of old times, tillthe three were moved to laugh and cry together, for the busy needleswere embroidering all sorts of bright patterns on the lives of theworkers, though they seemed to be only stitching cotton and darninghose.

  It was a pretty sight to see the rosy-faced little maid sitting betweenthe two old ladies, listening dutifully to their instructions, andcheering the lessons with her lively chatter and blithe laugh. If thekitchen had proved attractive to Dr. Alec when Rose was there at work,the sewing-room was quite irresistible, and he made himself so agreeablethat no one had the heart to drive him away, especially when he readaloud or spun yarns.

  "There! I've made you a new set of warm night-gowns with fourbutton-holes in each. See if they are not neatly done," said Rose, oneday, some weeks after the new lessons began.

  "Even to a thread, and nice little bars across the end so I can't tearthem when I twitch the buttons out. Most superior work, ma'am, and I'mdeeply grateful; so much so, that I'll sew on these buttons myself, andsave those tired fingers from another prick."

  "You sew them on?" cried Rose, with her eyes wide open in amazement.

  "Wait a bit till I get my sewing tackle, and then you shall see what Ican do."

  "Can he, really?" asked Rose of Aunt Peace, as Uncle Alec marched offwith a comical air of importance.

  "Oh, yes, I taught him years ago, before he went to sea; and I supposehe has had to do things for himself, more or less, ever since; so he haskept his hand in."

  He evidently had, for he was soon back with a funny little work-bag, outof which he produced a thimble without a top; and, having threaded hisneedle, he proceeded to sew on the buttons so handily that Rose was muchimpressed and amused.

  "I wonder if there is anything in the world that you cannot do," shesaid, in a tone of respectful admiration.

  "There are one or two things that I am not up to yet," he answered,with a laugh in the corner of his eye, as he waxed his thread with aflourish.

  "I should like to know what?"

  "Bread and button-holes, ma'am."