Chapter 6 - Uncle Alec's Room

by Louisa May Alcott

　　Soon after dinner, and before she had got acquainted with half her newpossessions, Dr. Alec proposed a drive, to carry round the first instalmentof gifts to the aunts and cousins. Rose was quite ready to go, beinganxious to try a certain soft burnous from the box, which not onlypossessed a most engaging little hood, but had funny tassels bobbing in alldirections.The big carriage was full of parcels, and even Ben's seat was loaded withIndian war clubs, a Chinese kite of immense size, and a pair of polishedox-horns from Africa. Uncle Alec, very blue as to his clothes, and verybrown as to his face, sat bolt upright, surveying well known places withinterest, while Rose, feeling unusually elegant and comfortable, leanedback folded in her soft mantle, and played she was an Eastern princessmaking a royal progress among her subjects.At three of the places their calls were brief, for Aunt Myra's catarrh wasunusually bad; Aunt Clara had a room full of company; and Aunt Jane showedsuch a tendency to discuss the population, productions, and politics ofEurope, Asia and Africa, that even Dr. Alec was dismayed, and got away assoon as possible."Now we will have a good time! I do hope the boys will be at home," saidRose, with a sigh of relief, as they wound yet higher up the hill to AuntJessie's."I left this for the last call, so that we might find the lads just in fromschool. Yes, there is Jamie on the gate watching for us; now you'll see theClan gather; they are always swarming about together."The instant Jamie saw the approaching guests he gave a shrill whistle,which was answered by echoes from meadow, house and barn, as the cousinscame running from all directions, shouting, "Hooray for Uncle Alec!" Theywent at the carriage like highwaymen, robbed it of every parcel, took theoccupants prisoners, and marched them into the house with great exultation."Little Mum! little Mum! here they are with lots of goodies! Come down andsee the fun right away! Quick!" bawled Will and Geordie amidst a generalripping off of papers and a reckless cutting of strings that soon turnedthe tidy room into a chaos.Down came Aunt Jessie with her pretty cap half on, but such a beaming facebelow it that one rather thought the fly-away head-gear an improvement thanotherwise. She had hardly time to greet Rose and the doctor before the boyswere about her, each clamouring for her to see his gift and rejoice over itwith him, for "little Mum" went halves in everything. The great hornsskirmished about her as if to toss her to the ceiling; the war clubshurtled over her head as if to annihilate her; an amazing medley from thefour quarters of the globe filled her lap, and seven excited boys alltalked to her at once.But she liked it; oh dear, yes! and sat smiling, admiring, and explaining,quite untroubled by the din, which made Rose cover up her ears and Dr. Alecthreaten instant flight if the riot was not quelled. That threat produced alull, and while the uncle received thanks in one corner, the aunt had somelittle confidences made to her in the other."Well, dear, and how are things going with you now? Better, I hope, thanthey were a week ago.""Aunt Jessie, I think I'm going to be very happy, now uncle has come. Hedoes the queerest things, but he is so good to me I can't help loving him";and, nestling closer to little Mum, Rose told all that had happened, endingwith a rapturous account of the splendid box."I am very glad, dear. But, Rose, I must warn you of one thing; don't letuncle spoil you.""But I like to be spoilt, auntie.""I don't doubt it; but if you turn out badly when the year is over he willbe blamed, and his experiment prove a failure. That would be a pity,wouldn't it? when he wants to do so much for you, and can do it if his kindheart does not get in the way of his good judgment.""I never thought of that, and I'll try not to be spoilt. But how can I helpit?" asked Rose anxiously."By not complaining of the wholesome things he wants you to do; by givinghim cheerful obedience as well as love; and even making some smallsacrifices for his sake.""I will, I truly will! and when I get in a worry about things may I come toyou? Uncle told me to, and I feel as if I shouldn't be afraid.""You may, darling; this is the place where little troubles are best cured,and this is what mothers are for, I fancy"; and Aunt Jessie drew the curlyhead to her shoulder with a tender look that proved how well she knew whatmedicine the child most needed.It was so sweet and comfortable that Rose sat still enjoying it till alittle voice said"Mamma, don't you think Pokey would like some of my shells? Rose gave Phebesome of her nice things, and it was very good of her. Can I?""Who is Pokey?" asked Rose, popping up her head, attracted by the odd name."My dolly; do you want to see her?" asked Jamie, who had been muchimpressed by the tale of adoption he had overheard."Yes; I'm fond of dollies, only don't tell the boys, or they will laugh atme.""They don't laugh at me, and they play with my dolly a great deal; but shelikes me best"; and Jamie ran away to produce his pet."I brought my old doll, but I keep her hidden because I am too big to playwith her, and yet I can't bear to throw her away, I'm so fond of her," saidRose, continuing her confidences in a whisper."You can come and play with Jamie's whenever you like, for we believe indollies up here," began Aunt Jessie, smiling to herself as if somethingamused her.Just then Jamie came back, and Rose understood the smile, for his dollyproved to be a pretty four-year-old little girl, who trotted in as fast asher fat legs would carry her, and making straight for the shells, scrambledup an armful, saying, with a laugh that showed her little white teeth"All for Dimmy and me, for Dimmy and me!""That's my dolly; isn't she a nice one?" asked Jamie, proudly surveying hispet with his hands behind him and his short legs rather far apart a manlyattitude copied from his brothers."She is a dear dolly. But why call her Pokey?" asked Rose, charmed with thenew plaything."She is such an inquisitive little body she is always poking that mite of anose into everything; and as Paul Pry did not suit, the boys fell tocalling her Pokey. Not a pretty name, but very expressive."It certainly was, for, having examined the shells, the busy tot laid holdof everything she could find, and continued her researches till Archiecaught her sucking his carved ivory chessmen to see if they were not barleysugar. Rice paper pictures were also discovered crumpled up in her tinypocket, and she nearly smashed Will's ostrich egg by trying to sit upon it."Here, Jim, take her away; she's worse than the puppies, and we can't haveher round," commanded the elder brother, picking her up and handing herover to the little fellow, who received her with open arms and the warningremark"You'd better mind what you do, for I'm going to 'dopt Pokey like Rose didPhebe, and then you'll have to be very good to her, you big fellows.""'Dopt away, baby, and I'll give you a cage to keep her in, or you won'thave her long, for she is getting worse than a monkey"; and Archie wentback to his mates, while Aunt Jessie, foreseeing a crisis, proposed thatJamie should take his dolly home, as she was borrowed, and it was time hervisit ended."My dolly is better than yours, isn't she? 'cause she can walk and talk andsing and dance, and yours can't do anything, can she?" asked Jamie withpride, as he regarded his Pokey, who just then had been moved to execute afunny little jig and warble the well-known couplet"'Puss-tat, puss-tat, where you been?''I been Lunnin, to saw a Tween."'After which superb display she retired, escorted by Jamie, both making afearful din blowing on conch shells."We must tear ourselves away, Rose, because I want to get you home beforesunset. Will you come for a drive, Jessie?" said Dr. Alec, as the musicdied away in the distance."No, thank you; but I see the boys want a scamper, so, if you don't mind,they may escort you home, but not go in. That is only allowed on holidays."The words were hardly out of Aunt Jessie's mouth when Archie said, in atone of command"Pass the word, lads. Boot and saddle, and be quick about it.""All right!" And in a moment not a vestige of boy remained but the litteron the floor.The cavalcade went down the hill at a pace that made Rose cling to heruncle's arm, for the fat old horses got excited by the antics of the poniescareering all about them, and went as fast as they could pelt, with the gaydog-cart rattling in front, for Archie and Charlie scorned shelties sincethis magnificent equipage had been set up. Ben enjoyed the fun, and thelads cut up capers till Rose declared that "circus" was the proper name forthem after all.When they reached the house they dismounted, and stood, three on each sidethe steps, in martial attitudes, while her ladyship was handed out withgreat elegance by Uncle Alec. Then the Clan saluted, mounted at word ofcommand, and with a wild whoop tore down the avenue in what they consideredthe true Arab style."That was splendid, now it is safely ended," said Rose, skipping up thesteps with her head over her shoulder to watch the dear tassels bob about."I shall get you a pony as soon as you are a little stronger," said Dr.Alec, watching her with a smile."Oh, I couldn't ride one of those horrid, frisky little beasts! They rolltheir eyes and bounce about so, I should die of fright," cried Rose,clasping her hands tragically."Are you a coward?""About horses I am.""Never mind, then; come and see my new room"; and he led the way upstairswithout another word.As Rose followed she remembered her promise to Aunt Jessie, and was sorryshe had objected so decidedly. She was a great deal more sorry five minuteslater, and well she might be."Now, take a good look, and tell me what you think of it," said Dr. Alec,opening the door and letting her enter before him, while Phebe was seenwhisking down the backstairs with a dust-pan.Rose walked to the middle of the room, stood still, and gazed about herwith eyes that brightened as they looked, for all was changed.This chamber had been built out over the library to suit some fancy, andhad been unused for years, except at Christmas times, when the old houseoverflowed. It had three windows one to the east, that overlooked the bay;one to the south, where the horse-chestnuts waved their green fans; and oneto the west, towards the hill and the evening sky. A ruddy sunset burnedthere now, filling the room with an enchanted glow; the soft murmur of thesea was heard, and a robin chirped "Good-night!" among the budding trees.Rose saw and heard these things first, and felt their beauty with a child'squick instinct; then her eye took in the altered aspect of the room, onceso shrouded, still and solitary, now so full of light and warmth and simpleluxury.India matting covered the floor, with a gay rug here and there; the antiqueandirons shone on the wide hearth, where a cheery blaze dispelled thedampness of the long-closed room. Bamboo lounges and chairs stood about,and quaint little tables in cosy corners; one bearing a pretty basket, onea desk, and on a third lay several familiar-looking books. In a recessstood a narrow white bed, with a lovely Madonna hanging over it. TheJapanese screen half-folded back showed a delicate toilet service of blueand white set forth on a marble slab, and near by was the great bath-pan,with Turkish towels and a sponge as big as Rose's head."Uncle must love cold water like a duck," she thought, with a shiver.Then her eye went on to the tall cabinet, where a half-open door revealed atempting array of the drawers, shelves and "cubby holes," which so delightthe hearts of children."What a grand place for my new things," she thought, wondering what heruncle kept in that cedar retreat."Oh me, what a sweet toilet table!" was her next mental exclamation, as sheapproached this inviting spot.A round old-fashioned mirror hung over it, with a gilt eagle a-top, holdingin his beak the knot of blue ribbon that tied up a curtain of muslinfalling on either side of the table, where appeared little ivory-handledbrushes, two slender silver candle-sticks, a porcelain match-box, severalpretty trays for small matters, and, most imposing of all, a plump bluesilk cushion, coquettishly trimmed with lace, and pink rose-buds at thecorners.That cushion rather astonished Rose; in fact, the whole table did, and shewas just thinking, with a sly smile"Uncle is a dandy, but I never should have guessed it," when he opened thedoor of a large closet, saying, with a careless wave of the hand"Men like plenty of room for their rattle-traps; don't you think that oughtto satisfy me?"Rose peeped in and gave a start, though all she saw was what one usuallyfinds in closets clothes and boots, boxes and bags. Ah! but you see theseclothes were small black and white frocks; the row of little boots thatstood below had never been on Dr. Alec's feet; the green bandbox had a grayveil straying out of it, and yes! the bag hanging on the door was certainlyher own piece-bag, with a hole in one corner. She gave a quick look roundthe room and understood now why it had seemed too dainty for a man, why herTestament and Prayer Book were on the table by the bed, and what thoserose-buds meant on the blue cushion. It came upon her in one deliciousburst that this little paradise was all for her, and, not knowing how elseto express her gratitude, she caught Dr. Alec round the neck, sayingimpetuously"O uncle, you are too good to me! I'll do anything you ask me; ride wildhorses and take freezing baths and eat bad-tasting messes, and let myclothes hang on me, to show how much I thank you for this dear, sweet,lovely room!""You like it, then? But why do you think it is yours, my lass?" asked Dr.Alec, as he sat down looking well pleased, and drew his excited littleniece to his knee."I don't think, I know it is for me; I see it in your face, and I feel asif I didn't half deserve it. Aunt Jessie said you would spoil me, and Imust not let you. I'm afraid this looks like it, and perhaps oh me! perhapsI ought not to have this beautiful room after all!" and Rose tried to lookas if she could be heroic enough to give it up if it was best."I owe Mrs. Jessie one for that," said Dr. Alec, trying to frown, though inhis secret soul he felt that she was quite right. Then he smiled thatcordial smile, which was like sunshine on his brown face, as he said"This is part of the cure, Rose, and I put you here that you might take mythree great remedies in the best and easiest way. Plenty of sun, fresh air,and cold water; also cheerful surroundings, and some work; for Phebe is toshow you how to take care of this room, and be your little maid as well asfriend and teacher. Does that sound hard and disagreeable to you, dear?""No, sir; very, very pleasant, and I'll do my best to be a good patient.But I really don't think anyone could be sick in this delightful room," shesaid, with a long sigh of happiness as her eye went from one pleasantobject to another."Then you like my sort of medicine better than Aunt Myra's, and don't wantto throw it out of the window, hey?"