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 held up his finger, saying, with a smile, "Hear those girls laugh; cramped lungs could not make hearty music like that." Peals of laughter issued from Rose's room, and smiles involuntarily touched the lips of those who listened to the happy sound.
"Some new prank of yours, Alec ?" asked Aunt Plenty, indulgently, for she had come to believe in most of her nephew's odd notions, because they seemed to work so well.
"Yes, ma'am, my last, and I hope you will like it.

I discovered what Clara was at, and got my rival suit ready for to-day.

I'm not going to 'afflict' Rose, but let her choose, and if I'm not entirely mistaken, she will like my rig best.

While we wait I'll explain, and then you will appreciate the general effect better.