To-day, now, she had the word 'cotton' in a lesson and asked all about it, and I was ashamed to find I really knew so little that I could only say that it was a plant that grew down South in a kind of a pod, and was made into cloth.
That's what I was reading up when you came, and to-morrow I shall tell her all about it, and indigo too.

So you see it teaches me also, and is as good as a general review of what I've learned, in a pleasanter way than going over it alone." "You artful little baggage! that's the way you expect to get round me, is it?
That's not studying, I suppose ?" "No, sir, it's teaching; and please, I like it much better than having a good time by myself.

Besides, you know, I adopted Phebe and promised to be a sister to her, so I am bound to keep my word, am I not ?" answered Rose, looking both anxious and resolute as she waited for her sentence.
Dr.Alec was evidently already won, for Rose had described the old slate and brown paper copy-book with pathetic effect, and the excellent man had not only decided to send Phebe to school long before the story was done, but reproached himself for forgetting his duty to one little girl in his love for another.

So when Rose tried to look meek and failed utterly, he laughed and pinched her cheek, and answered in that genial way which adds such warmth and grace to any favour, "I haven't the slightest objection in the world.

In fact, I was beginning to think I might let you go at your books again, moderately, since you are so well; and this is an excellent way to try your powers.
Phebe is a brave, bright lass, and shall have a fair chance in the world, if we can give it to her, so that if she ever finds her friends they need not be ashamed of her." "I think she has found some already," began Rose eagerly.
"Hey?
what?
has anyone turned up since I've been gone ?" asked Dr.Alec quickly, for it was a firm belief in the family that Phebe would prove to be "somebody" sooner or later.
"No, her best friend turned up when you came home, uncle," answered Rose with an approving pat, adding gratefully, "I can't half thank you for being so good to my girl, but she will, because I know she is going to make a woman to be proud of, she's so strong and true, and loving." "Bless your dear heart, I haven't begun to do anything yet, more shame to me! But I'm going at it now, and as soon as she gets on a bit, she shall go to school as long as she likes.