Chapter 24 - Which?

by Louisa May Alcott

　　"Uncle, I have discovered what girls are made for," said Rose, the dayafter the reconciliation of Archie and the Prince."Well, my dear, what is it?" asked Dr. Alec, who was "planking the deck,"as he called his daily promenade up and down the hall."To take care of boys," answered Rose, quite beaming with satisfaction asshe spoke. "Phebe laughed when I told her, and said she thought girls hadbetter learn to take care of themselves first. But that's because shehasn't got seven boy-cousins as I have.""She is right, nevertheless, Rosy, and so are you, for the two things gotogether, and in helping seven lads you are unconsciously doing much toimprove one lass," said Dr. Alec, stopping to nod and smile at thebright-faced figure resting on the old bamboo chair, after a lively game ofbattledore and shuttlecock, in place of a run which a storm prevented."Am I? I'm glad of that; but really, uncle, I do feel as if I must takecare of the boys, for they come to me in all sorts of troubles, and askadvice, and I like it so much. Only I don't always know what to do, and I'mgoing to consult you privately and then surprise them with my wisdom.""All right, my dear; what's the first worry? I see you have something onyour little mind, so come and tell uncle."Rose put her arm in his, and, pacing to and fro, told him all aboutCharlie, asking what she could do to keep him straight, and be a realsister to him."Could you make up your mind to go and stay with Aunt Clara a month?" askedthe Doctor, when she ended."Yes, sir; but I shouldn't like it. Do you really want me to go?""The best cure for Charlie is a daily dose of Rose water, or Rose andwater, or Rose and water; will you go and see that he takes it?" laughedDr. Alec."You mean that if I'm there and try to make it pleasant, he will stay athome and keep out of mischief?""Exactly.""But could I make it pleasant? He would want the boys.""No danger but he'd have the boys, for they swarm after you like bees aftertheir queen. Haven't you found that out?""Aunt Plen often says they never used to be here half so much before Icame, but I never thought I made the difference, it seemed so natural tohave them round.""Little modesty doesn't know what a magnet she is; but she will find it outsome day," and the Doctor softly stroked the cheek that had grown rosy withpleasure at the thought of being so much loved. "Now, you see, if I movethe magnet to Aunt Clara's, the lads will go there as sure as iron tosteel, and Charlie will be so happy at home he won't care for thesemischievous mates of his I hope," added the Doctor, well knowing how hardit was to wean a seventeen-year-old boy from his first taste of what iscalled "seeing life," which, alas! often ends in seeing death."I'll go, uncle, right away! Aunt Clara is always asking me, and will beglad to get me. I shall have to dress and dine late, and see lots ofcompany, and be very fashionable, but I'll try not to let it hurt me; andif I get in a puzzle or worried about anything I can run to you," answeredRose, good-will conquering timidity.So it was decided, and without saying much about the real reason for thisvisit, Rose was transplanted to Aunt Clara's, feeling that she had a workto do, and very eager to do it well.Dr. Alec was right about the bees, for the boys did follow their queen, andastonished Mrs. Clara by their sudden assiduity in making calls, droppingin to dinner, and getting up evening frolics. Charlie was a devoted host,and tried to show his gratitude by being very kind to his "little sister,"for he guessed why she came, and his heart was touched by her artlessendeavours to "help him be good."Rose often longed to be back in the old house with the simpler pleasuresand more useful duties of the life there; but, having made up her mind, inspite of Phebe, that "girls were made to take care of boys," here motherlylittle soul found much to enjoy in the new task she had undertaken.It was a pretty sight to see the one earnest, sweet-faced girl among theflock of tall lads, trying to understand, to help and please them with apatient affection that worked many a small miracle unperceived. Slang,rough manners, and careless habits were banished or bettered by thepresence of a little gentlewoman; and all the manly virtues cropping upwere encouraged by the hearty admiration bestowed upon them by one whosegood opinion all valued more than they confessed; while Rose tried toimitate the good qualities she praised in them, to put away her girlishvanities and fears, to be strong and just, and frank and brave, as well asmodest, kind, and beautiful.This trial worked so well that when the month was over, Mac and Stevedemanded a visit in their turn, and Rose went, feeling that she would liketo hear grim Aunt Jane say, as Aunt Clara did at parting, "I wish I couldkeep you all my life, dear."After Mac and Steve had had their turn, Archie and Company bore her awayfor some weeks; and with them she was so happy, she felt as if she wouldlike to stay for ever, if she could have Uncle Alec also.Of course, Aunt Myra could not be neglected, and, with secret despair, Rosewent to the "Mausoleum," as the boys called her gloomy abode. Fortunately,she was very near home, and Dr. Alec dropped in so often that her visit wasfar less dismal than she expected. Between them, they actually made AuntMyra laugh heartily more than once; and Rose did her so much good byletting in the sunshine, singing about the silent house, cooking wholesomemesses, and amusing the old lady with funny little lectures on physiology,that she forgot to take her pills and gave up "Mum's Elixir," because sheslept so well, after the long walks and drives she was beguiled intotaking, that she needed no narcotic.So the winter flew rapidly away, and it was May before Rose was fairlysettled again at home. They called her the "Monthly Rose," because she hadspent a month with each of the aunts, and left such pleasant memories ofbloom and fragrance behind her, that all wanted the family flower backagain.Dr. Alec rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure; but as the time drewnear when his year of experiment ended, he had many a secret fear that Rosemight like to make her home for the next twelve month with Aunt Jessie, oreven Aunt Clara, for Charlie's sake. He said nothing, but waited with muchanxiety for the day when the matter should be decided; and while he waitedhe did his best to finish as far as possible the task he had begun so well.Rose was very happy now, being out nearly all day enjoying the beautifulawakening of the world, for spring came bright and early, as if anxious todo its part. The old horse-chestnuts budded round her windows, green thingssprung up like magic in the garden under her hands, hardy flowers bloomedas fast as they could, the birds sang blithely overhead, and every day achorus of pleasant voices cried, "Good morning, cousin, isn't it jollyweather?"No one remembered the date of the eventful conversation which resulted inthe Doctor's experiment (no one but himself at least); so when the auntswere invited to tea one Saturday they came quite unsuspiciously, and wereall sitting together having a social chat, when Brother Alec entered withtwo photographs in his hand."Do you remember that?" he said, showing one to Aunt Clara, who happened tobe nearest."Yes, indeed; it is very like her when she came. Quite her sad, unchildlikeexpression, and thin little face, with the big dark eyes."The picture was passed round, and all agreed that "it was very like Rose ayear ago." This point being settled, the Doctor showed the second picture,which was received with great approbation, and pronounced a "charminglikeness."It certainly was, and a striking contrast to the first one, for it was ablooming, smiling face, full of girlish spirit and health, with no sign ofmelancholy, though the soft eyes were thoughtful, and the lines about thelips betrayed a sensitive nature.Dr. Alec set both photographs on the chimneypiece, and, falling back a stepor two, surveyed them with infinite satisfaction for several minutes, thenwheeled round, saying briefly, as he pointed to the two faces"Time is up; how do you think my experiment has succeeded, ladies?""Bless me, so it is!" cried Aunt Plenty, dropping a stitch in her surprise."Beautifully, dear," answered Aunt Peace, smiling entire approval."She certainly has improved, but appearances are deceitful, and she had noconstitution to build upon," croaked Aunt Myra."I am willing to allow that, as far as mere health goes, the experiment isa success," graciously observed Aunt Jane, unable to forget Rose's kindnessto her Mac."So am I; and I'll go farther, for I really do believe Alec has donewonders for the child; she will be a beauty in two or three years," addedAunt Clara, feeling that she could say nothing better than that."I always knew he would succeed, and I'm so glad you all allow it, for hedeserves more credit than you know, and more praise than he will ever get,"cried Aunt Jessie, clapping her hands with an enthusiasm that causedJamie's little red stocking to wave like a triumphal banner in the air.Dr. Alec made them a splendid bow, looking much gratified, and then saidsoberly"Thank you; now the question is, shall I go on? for this is only thebeginning. None of you know the hindrances I've had, the mistakes I'vemade, the study I've given the case, and the anxiety I've often felt.Sister Myra is right is one thing Rose is a delicate creature, quick toflourish in the sunshine, and as quick to droop without it. She has nospecial weakness, but inherits her mother's sensitive nature. and needs thewisest, tenderest care, to keep a very ardent little soul from wearing outa finely organised little body. I think I have found the right treatment,and; with you to help me, I believe we may build up a lovely and a noblewoman, who will be a pride and comfort to us all."There Dr. Alec stopped to get his breath, for he had spoken very earnestly,and his voice got a little husky over the last words. A gentle murmur fromthe aunts seemed to encourage him, and he went on with an engaging smile,for the good man was slyly trying to win all the ladies to vote for himwhen the time came."Now, I don't wish to be selfish or arbitrary, because I am her guardian,and I shall leave Rose free to choose for herself. We all want her, and ifshe likes to make her home with any of you rather than with me, she shalldo so. In fact, I encouraged her visits last winter, that she might seewhat we can all offer her, and judge where she will be happiest. Is notthat the fairest way? Will you agree to abide by her choice, as I do?""Yes, we will," said all the aunts, in quite a flutter of excitement at theprospect of having Rose for a whole year."Good! she will be here directly, and then we will settle the question foranother year. A most important year, mind you, for she has got a goodstart, and will blossom rapidly now if all goes well with her. So I beg ofyou don't undo my work, but deal very wisely and gently with my littlegirl, for if any harm come to her, I think it would break my heart."As he spoke, Dr. Alec turned his back abruptly and affected to be examiningthe pictures again; but the aunts understood how dear the child was to thesolitary man who had loved her mother years ago, and who now found hishappiness in cherishing the little Rose who was so like her. The goodladies nodded and sighed, and telegraphed to one another that none of themwould complain if not chosen, or ever try to rob Brother Alec of his"Heart's Delight," as the boys called Rose.Just then a pleasant sound of happy voices came up from the garden, andsmiles broke out on all serious faces. Dr. Alec turned at once, saying, ashe threw back his head, "There she is; now for it!"The cousins had been a-Maying, and soon came flocking in laden with thespoils."Here is our bonny Scotch rose with all her thorns about her," said Dr.Alec, surveying her with unusual pride and tenderness, as she went to showAunt Peace her basket full of early flowers, fresh leaves, and curiouslichens."Leave your clutter in the hall, boys, and sit quietly down if you chooseto stop here, for we are busy," said Aunt Plenty, shaking her finger at theturbulent Clan, who were bubbling over with the jollity born of springsunshine and healthy exercise."Of course, we choose to stay! Wouldn't miss our Saturday high tea foranything," said the Chief, as he restored order among his men with a nod, aword, and an occasional shake."What is up? a court-martial?" asked Charlie, looking at the assembledladies with affected awe and real curiosity, for these faces betrayed thatsome interesting business was afloat.Dr. Alec explained in a few words, which he made as brief and calm as hecould; but the effect was exciting, nevertheless, for each of the ladsbegan at once to bribe, entice, and wheedle "our cousin" to choose hishome."You really ought to come to us for mother's sake, as a relish, you know,for she must be perfectly satiated with boys," began Archie, using thestrongest argument he could think of at the moment."Ah! yes," she thought, "he wants me most! I've often longed to give himsomething that he wished for very much, and now I can."So, when, at a sudden gesture from Aunt Peace, silence fell, Rose saidslowly, with a pretty colour in her cheeks, and a beseeching look about theroom, as if asking pardon of the boys"It's very hard to choose when everybody is so fond of me; therefore Ithink I'd better go to the one who seems to need me most.""No, dear, the one you love the best and will be happiest with," said Dr.Alec quickly, as a doleful sniff from Aunt Myra, and a murmur of "Mysainted Caroline," made Rose pause and look that way."Take time, cousin; don't be in a hurry to make up your mind, and remember,'Codlin's your friend,' " added Charlie, hopeful still."I don't want any time! I know who I love best, who I'm happiest with, andI choose uncle. Will he have me?" cried Rose, in a tone that produced asympathetic thrill among the hearers, it was so full of tender confidenceand love.If she really had any doubt, the look in Dr. Alec's face banished itwithout a word, as he opened wide his arms, and she ran into them, feelingthat home was there.No one spoke for a minute, but there were signs of emotion among the aunts,which warned the boys to bestir themselves before the water-works began toplay. So they took hands and began to prance about uncle and niece,singing, with sudden inspiration, the nursery rhyme"Ring around a Rosy!"Of course that put an end to all sentiment, and Rose emerged laughing fromDr. Alec's bosom, with the mark of a waistcoat button nicely imprinted onher left cheek. He saw it, and said with a merry kiss that half effaced it,"This is my ewe lamb, and I have set my mark on her, so no one can stealher away."That tickled the boys, and they set up a shout of"Uncle had a little lamb!"But Rose hushed the noise by slipping into the circle, and making themdance prettily like lads and lasses round a May-pole; while Phebe, comingin with fresh water for the flowers, began to twitter, chirp, and coo, asif all the birds of the air had come to join in the spring revel of theeight cousins.