thout it, so she not only gave it a somewhat
belligerent air by setting it well up, but she shook her head decidedly,
smoothed down her stiff white apron, and stood up as if ready for
battle.

"I shall do my duty, Rose, and expect the same of others. Don't say any
more now I must turn the matter over in my mind, for it has come upon me
suddenly and needs serious consideration."

With which unusually solemn address she took up her keys and trotted
away, leaving her niece to follow with an anxious countenance, uncertain
whether her championship had done good or ill to the cause she had at
heart.

She was much cheered by the sound of Phebe's voice in the study, for
Rose was sure that if Uncle Alec was on their side all would be well.
But the clouds lowered again when they came in to breakfast, for Phebe's
heavy eyes and pale cheeks did not look encouraging, while Dr. Alec was
as sober as a judge and sent an inquiring glance toward Rose now and
then as if curious to discover how she bore the news.

An uncomfortable meal, though all tried to seem as usual and talked over
last night's events with all the interest they could. But the old peace
was disturbed by a word, as a pebble thrown into a quiet pool sends
telltale circles rippling its surface far and wide. Aunt Plenty, while
"turning the subject over in her mind," also seemed intent on upsetting
everything she touched and made sad havoc in her tea tray; Dr. Alec
unsociably read his paper; Rose, having salted instead of sugared her
oatmeal, absently ate it, feeling that the sweetness had gone out of
everything; and Phebe, after choking down a cup of tea and crumbling a
roll, excused herself and went away, sternly resolving not to be a bone
of contention to this beloved family.

As soon as the door was shut Rose pushed away her plate and, going to
Dr. Alec, she peeped over the paper with such an anxious face that he
put it down at once.

"Uncle, this is a serious matter, and we must take our stand at once,
for you are Phebe's guardian and I am her sister," began Rose with
pretty solemnity. "You have often been disappointed in me," she
continued, "but I know I never shall be in you because you are too wise
and good to let any worldly pride or prudence spoil your sympathy with
Archie and our Phebe. You won't desert them, will you?"

"Never!" answered Dr. Alec with gratifying energy.

"Thank you! Thank you!" cried Rose. "Now, if I have you and Aunty on my
side, I'm n