Eight Cousins (Bedtime Story) Chapter 15

Rose Campbell is a sweet, gentle, and beautiful young girl who is the youngest of the eight cousins. She is a fragile and delicate child who has been raised in luxury and has never had to face any challenges or hardships. Despite her delicate nature, Rose is kind, generous, and full of good humor, and she quickly becomes the center of attention for her seven male cousins.

Transcript

Chapter 15 Earrings Rose's sprain proved to be a serious one,

Owing to neglect,

And Dr.

Alec ordered her to lie on the sofa for a fortnight at least,

Whereat she groaned dismally,

But dared not openly complain,

Lest the boys turn upon her with some of the wise little sermons on patience which she had delivered for their benefit.

It was Max's turn now,

And honorably did he repay his debt,

For as school was still forbidden,

He had plenty of leisure,

And devoted most of it to Rose.

He took many steps for her,

And even allowed her to teach him to knit after assuring himself that many a brave Scotchman knew how to click the bricks.

She was obliged to take a solemn vow of secrecy,

However,

Before he would consent,

For though he did not mind being called Kicklamp's granny,

Was more than his boyish soul could bear,

And at the approach of any of the clan his knitting was vanished as by magic,

Which frequent chucking out of sight did not improve the stripe he was doing for Rose's new afghan.

She was busy with this pretty work on one bright October afternoon,

All nicely established on her sofa in the upper hall,

While Jamie and Pokey,

Lent for her amusement,

Were keeping house in a corner with a comet and Rose's old doll for their children's.

Presently Phoebe appeared with a card,

Rose read it,

Made a grimace,

Then laughed and said,

I'll see Miss Blish,

And immediately put on her company face,

Pulled out her locket,

And settled her curls.

You dear thing,

How do you do,

Have been trying to call every day since you got back,

But I have so many engagements,

I really couldn't manage it till today.

So glad you are alone,

Von Mama said,

I could sit a while and brought my lacework to show you,

For it is perfectly lovely,

Cried Miss Blish,

Greeting Rose with a kiss,

Which was not very warmly returned,

Though Rose politely thanked her for coming,

And bid Phoebe roll up the easy chair.

How nice to have a maid,

Said Ariadne,

As she settled herself with much commotion.

Still dear,

You must be very lonely,

And feel the need of a bosom friend.

I have my cousins,

Began Rose,

With dignity,

For her visitor's patronizing manner ruffled her temper.

Gracious child,

You don't make friends of those great boys,

Do you?

Mama says she really doesn't think it's proper for you to be with them so much.

They are like brothers,

And my aunts do think it's proper,

Replied Rose rather sharply,

For it struck her that this was none of Miss Blish's business.

I was merely going to say,

I should be glad to have you for my bosom friend,

For Hattie Mason and I have had an awful quarrel,

And don't speak.

She is too mean to live,

So I gave her up.

Just think,

She never paid back one of the caramels I'd given her,

And never invited me to her party.

I could have forgiven the caramels,

But to be left out in that rude way was more than I could bear,

And I told her never to look at me again,

As long as she lived.

You are very kind,

But I don't think I want to be a bosom friend,

Thank you,

Said Rose,

As Ariadne stopped to briddle and shake her flaxen head over the delinquent Hattie Mason.

Now in her heart Miss Blish thought Rose a stuck-up puss,

But the other girls wanted to know her,

And couldn't.

The old house was a charming place to visit,

The lads were considered fine fellows,

And the Campbells are one of our first families,

Mama said,

So Ariadne concealed her vexation at Rose's coolness and changed the subject as fast as possible.

Studying French,

I see.

Who is your teacher?

She asked,

Flitting over the leaves of Paul and Virginia that lay on the table.

I don't study it,

For I read French as well as English.

An uncle and I often speak it for hours.

He talks like a native,

And says I have a remarkably good accent.

Rose really could not help this small display of superiority,

For French was one of her strong points,

And she was vain of it,

Though she usually managed to hide this weakness.

She felt that Ariadne would be the better for a little crushing,

And could not resist temptation to patronize in her turn.

Oh,

Indeed,

Said Miss Blish,

Rather blankly,

For French was not her strong point by any means.

I am going abroad with uncle in a year or two.

He knows how important it is to understand the languages.

Half the girls who leave school can't speak decent French,

And when they go abroad,

They are so mortified.

I shall be very glad to help you,

If you like,

For,

Of course,

You have no one to talk with at home.

Now Ariadne,

Though she looked like a wax doll,

Had feelings with her instead of sawdust,

And these feelings were hurt by Rose's lofty tone.

She thought her more stuck-up than ever,

But did not know how to bring her down,

Yet long to do it,

For she felt as if she had received a box on the ear,

And involuntarily put her head up to it.

Touch of an ear-ring consoled her,

And suggested a way of returning tit for tat in a telling manner.

Thank you,

Dear.

I don't need any help,

For our teacher is from Paris,

And of course he speaks better French than your uncle.

Then she added,

With a gesture of her head,

That set the little bells on her ears tingling.

How do you like my new earrings?

Papa gave them to me last week,

And everyone says they are lovely.

Rose came down from her high horse with a rabbit-y.

That was comical,

For Ariadne had the upper hand now.

Rose adored pretty things,

Longed to wear them,

And the desire of her girlish soul was to have her ears bored.

Only Dr.

Alec Toe did foolish,

So she never had done it.

She would gladly have given all the French she could,

Chapper for a pair of golden bells with pearl-tipped tongues.

Dr.

Alec Toe's Ariadne wore,

And clasping her hands,

She answered in a tone that went to her hearer's heart,

They are too sweet for anything.

If uncle would only let me wear some,

I should be perfectly happy.

I wouldn't mind what he says.

Papa laughed at me first,

But he likes them now,

And says I shall have diamond solitaires when I am eighteen.

Said Ariadne,

Quite satisfied with her shot.

I've got a pair now that wear mamas,

And a beautiful little pair of pearl and turquoise ones that I am dying to wear,

Sighed Rose.

Then do it.

I'll pierce your ears,

And you must wear a bit of silk in them till they are well.

Your curls will hide them nicely.

Then some day slip in your smallest earrings,

And see if your uncle don't like them.

I asked him if it wouldn't do my eyes good once when they were red,

And he only laughed.

People do cure weak eyes that way,

Don't they?

Yes indeed,

And yours are sort of red.

Let me see.

Yes,

I really think you ought to do it before they get worse,

Said Ariadne,

Peering into the large clear eye offered for inspection.

Does it hurt much?

Asked Rose,

Wavering.

Oh dear no,

Just a prick and a pull,

And it's all over.

I've done lots of ears,

And know just how.

Come,

Push up your hair and get a big needle.

I don't like to do it without asking Uncle Sleave,

Faltered Rose,

When all was ready for the operation.

Did he ever forbid it?

Said Ariadne,

Hovering over her prey like a vampire.

No,

Never.

Then do it,

Unless you are afraid,

Cried Miss Blish,

Bent on accomplishing the deed.

The last word set off the matter,

And closing her eyes,

Rose said,

Punch,

In the tone of one giving the fatal order,

Fire.

Ariadne punched.

The victim bore in the heroic silence,

Though she turned pale and her eyes were full of tears of anguish.

There,

Now pull the bits of silk often,

And coat cream your ears every night,

And you'll soon be ready for the rings,

Said Ariadne,

Well pleased with her job,

For the girl who spoke French with a fine accent lay flat upon the sofa,

Looking as exhausted as if she had both ears cut off.

That's really hurt dreadfully,

And I know Uncle won't like it,

Sighed Rose,

As remorse began to gnaw.

Promise not to tell,

Or I shall be teased to death,

She added,

Entirely forgetting the two little bitches,

Gifted with eyes as well as ears,

Who had been watching the whole performance from afar.

Never,

Mercy me,

What's that?

Then Ariadne started as a sudden sound of steps and voices came up from below.

It's the boys!

Hide the needle!

Do my ears show?

Don't breathe a word,

Whispered Rose,

Scrambling about to conceal all traces of their iniquity from the sharp eyes of the clan.

Up they came in all good order,

Laden with the proceeds of a nothing expeditions,

For they always reported to Rose,

And paid tribute to their queen in the handsomest manner.

How many,

And how big!

We'll have a grand roasting frolic after tea,

Won't we?

Said Rose,

Plunging both hands into a bag of glossy brown nuts,

While the clan stood at ease and nodded to Ariadne.

That lot was picked especially for you,

Rosie.

I got every one myself,

And they are extra rackers,

Said Mac,

Presenting a bushel or so.

You should have seen Ginklamp's.

When he was after them,

He pitched out of the tree,

And would have broken his blessed old neck,

Or I had not caught him,

Observed Steve,

As he lunged gracefully in the window-seat.

You needed talk,

Dandy,

When you didn't know a chestnut from a beech,

And kept on thrashing till I taught you of it,

Retorted Mac,

Festooning himself over the back of the sofa,

Being a privileged boy.

I don't make mistakes when I trash you,

Old worm,

So you'd better mind what you are about,

Answered Steve,

Without a ray of proper respect for his older brother.

It is getting dark,

And I must go,

Or Mama will be alarmed,

Said Ariadne,

Rousing in sudden haste,

Though she hoped to be asked to remain to nut-party.

No one invited her,

And all the while she was putting on her things and chatting to Rose,

The boys were telegraphing to one another the sad fact that someone ought to escort the young lady home.

Not a boy felt heroic enough to cast himself into the breach.

However,

Even polite Archie shirked the duty saying to Charlie,

As they quietly slipped into an adjoining room,

I am not going to do all the gallivanting.

Let Steve take that shit home,

And show his manners.

I'll be hanged if I do,

Answered Prince,

Who disliked Miss Blish,

Because she tried to be dishwith him.

Then I will,

And to the dismay of both recreant lads,

Dr.

Alec walked out of the room to offer his services.

He was too late,

However,

For Mac,

Obeying a look from Rose,

Had already made a victim of himself,

And trucked meekly away,

Wishing the gentle Ariadne at the bottom of the Red Sea.

Then I will take this lady down to tea,

As the other one has found a gentleman go home with her.

I see the lamps are lighted below,

And I smell which tells me that auntie has something extra nice for us tonight.

As he spoke,

Dr.

Alec was preparing to carry Rose downstairs as usual.

The Archie and Prince rushed forward,

Begging with penitent eagerness for the honor of carrying her in an armchair.

Rose consented,

Fearing that her uncle's keen eyes would discover the fatal bits of silk,

So the boys crossed hands,

And taking good grip of each curly pate,

She was borne down instead,

While the others followed by way of the bannisters.

Tea was ordered earlier than usual,

So that Jamie and his dolly could have a taste,

At least of the holiday fun,

For they were to stay till seven,

And be allowed twelve roasted chestnuts apiece,

Which they were under bonds not to eat till next day.

Tea was dispatched rapidly,

Therefore,

And the party gathered round the white herd in the dining-room,

Where the nuts were soon dancing gaily on hot shovels,

Or bouncing out among the company,

Thereby causing delightful panics among the little ones.

Come Rosie,

Tell us a story while we work,

For you can't help much and must amuse us as your share.

Reposed Mac,

Who sat in the shade picking nuts,

And who knew by experience what a capital little share said,

His cousin was.

Yes,

We poor monkeys can't burn our paths for nothing,

So tell a way,

Added Charlie,

As he threw several hot nuts into her lap and shook his fingers afterwards.

Well I happen to have a little story,

With a moral to it,

In my mind,

And I will tell it,

Though it is intended for younger children than you,

Answered Rose,

Who was rather fond of telling instructive tales.

Fire away,

Said Geordie,

And she obeyed,

Little thinking what a disastrous story it would prove to herself.

Well once upon a time a little girl went to see a young lady,

Who was very fond of her.

Now the young lady happened to be lame,

And had to have her foot bandaged up every day,

So she kept a basket full of bandages,

All nicely rolled and ready.

The little girl liked to play with this basket,

And one day when she thought no one saw her,

She took one of the rolls without asking leave,

And put it in her pocket.

Here Pokey,

Who had been peering lovingly down at the five warm nuts that lay at the bottom of her tiny pocket,

Suddenly looked up and said,

Oh,

In a startled tone,

As if the moral tale had become intensely interesting all at once.

Rose heard and saw the innocent betrayal of the small sinner,

And went on it in a most impressive manner,

While the boys nudged one another,

And winked as they caught the joke.

But then I did see,

This naughty little girl,

And whose eye do you think it was?

I have thought,

Murmured conscious tricking Pokey,

Spreading two chubby little hands before the round face,

Which they were not half big enough to hide.

Rose was rather taken aback by this reply,

But feeling that she was producing a good effect,

She added seriously,

Yes,

God saw her,

And so did the young lady,

But she did not say anything,

She waited to see what the little girl would do about it.

She had been very happy before she took the bandage,

But when it was in her pocket,

She seemed troubled,

And pretty soon stopped playing,

And sat down in a corner looking very sober.

She thought a few minutes,

And put back the roll very softly,

And her face cleared up and she was a happy child again.

The young lady was glad to see that,

And wondered what made the little girl put it back.

Don't just pick her,

Murmured a contrite voice from behind the small hands pressed tightly over Pokey's red face,

And why did she take it?

Do you suppose,

Asked Rose,

In a schoolmarmish tone,

Feeling that all the listeners were interested in her tale and its unexpected application.

It was so nice and wound,

And she wanted it definitely,

Answered the little voice.

Well,

I am glad she had such a good conscience,

The moral is that people who steal don't enjoy what they take and are not happy till they put it back.

What makes that little girl hide her face,

Asked Rose,

As she concluded,

Me so shamed of Pokey,

Sub the small culprit,

Quite overcome by remorse and confusion at this awful disclosure.

Come Rose,

It is too bad to tell her little tricks before everyone,

And preach at her in that way.

You wouldn't like it yourself,

Began Dr.

Alec,

Taking the weeper on his knee and administering consolation in the shape of kisses and nuts.

Before Rose could express her regret,

Jamie,

Who had been reddening,

Ruffling like a little turkey for several minutes,

Burst out indignantly,

Bent on avenging the wound given to his beloved Dolly.

I know something bad that you did,

And I'm going to tell.

You thought we didn't see you,

But we did,

And you said uncle wouldn't like it,

And the boys would tease and your mate nay promise not to tell,

And she punched holes in your ears to put earrings.

So now,

And that's much better than to take an old piece of rag and I hate you for making my Pokey cry.

Jamie's somewhat incoherent explosion produced such an effect that Pokey's small sin was instantly forgotten,

And Rose felt that her hour had come.

What,

Cried the boys in a chorus,

Dropping their shovels and knives to gather around Rose for a gaiety clutching at her ears,

Betrayed her,

And with a feeble cry of Ariadne made me,

She hid her head among the pillows like an absurd little ostrich.

Now she'll go prancing round with bird cages and baskets and carts and pigs for all I know in her ears,

As the other girls do,

And won't she look like a goose?

Asked one tormentor,

Twigging a curl that strayed out from the cushions.

I didn't think she'd be so silly,

Said Mac in a thought of disappointment that taught Rose she had sunk in the esteem of her wise cousin.

That bleached curl is a nuisance,

And ought not to be allowed to come here with her nonsensical notions.

Said the prince,

Feeling a strong desire to shake that young person,

As an angry dog might shake a mischievous kitten.

How do you like it,

Uncle?

Asked Archie,

Who,

Being the head of the family himself,

Believed in preserving discipline at all cost.

I am very much surprised,

But I see she is a girl after all,

And must have her vanities like all the rest of them,

Answered Dr.

Alec with a sigh,

As if he had expected to find Rose a sort of angel above all earthy temptations.

What shall you do about it,

Sir?

Inquired Jodie,

Wondering what punishment would be inflicted on a feminine culprit.

As she is fond of ornaments,

Perhaps we had better give her a nose-ring also.

I have one somewhere that a Fiji bell once wore.

I'll look it up,

And leaving pokey to Jamie's care,

Dr.

Alec rose as if to carry out his suggestion in earnest.

Good,

We'll do it right away.

Here's a gimlet,

So you hold her,

Boys,

While I get her dear little nose already,

Cried Charlie,

Whisking away the pillow,

As the other boys danced about the sofa,

In true Fiji style.

It was a dreadful moment,

For Rose could not run away,

She could only grasp her precious nose with one hand and extended the other,

Crying.

Oh,

Uncle,

Save me,

Save me.

Of course he saved her,

And when she was securely parrogated by his strong arm,

She confessed her folly in such humiliation of spirit,

That the lads,

After a good laugh at her,

Decided to forgive her and lay all the blame on the tempter,

Ariadne.

Even Dr.

Alec relented so far as to propose two gold rings for the ears instead of one copper one for the nose.

A proceeding which proved that if Rose had all the weakness of her sex for jewelry,

He had all the inconsistency of his in giving a pretty penitent exactly what she wanted,

Spite of his better judgment.

Reviews

Eek, I can’t imagine how much that would have hurt… girls will be girls sometimes!
Thank you!❤️🙏🏽