`` Ah , but I might be tempted ; guardians are sometimes ; so you 'd better keep your eye on me , and in order to do that you must learn all about these affairs , '' answered Dr. Alec , as he made an entry in his own very neat account-book . Rose peeped over his shoulder at it , and then turned to the arithmetical puzzle in her hand with a sigh of despair . `` Uncle , when you add up your expenses do you ever find you have got more money than you had in the beginning ? '' `` No ; I usually find that I have a good deal less than I had in the beginning . Are you troubled in the peculiar way you mention ? '' `` Yes ; it is very curious , but I never can make things come out square . '' `` Perhaps I can help you , '' began Uncle Alec , in the most respectful tone . `` I think you had better , for if I have got to keep accounts I may as well begin in the right way . But please do n't laugh ! I know I 'm very stupid , and my book is a disgrace , but I never could get it straight . '' And with great trepidation , Rose gave up her funny little accounts . It really was good in Dr. Alec not to laugh , and Rose felt deeply grateful when he said in a mildly suggestive tone , `` The dollars and cents seem to be rather mixed , perhaps if I just straightened them out a bit we should find things all right . '' `` Please do , and then show me on a fresh leaf how to make mine look nice and ship-shape as yours do . '' As Rose stood by him watching the ease with which he quickly brought order out of chaos , she privately resolved to hunt up her old arithmetic and perfect herself in the four first rules , with a good tug at fractions , before she read any more fairy tales . `` Am I a rich girl , uncle ? '' she asked suddenly , as he was copying a column of figures . `` Rather a poor one , I should say , since you had to borrow a ninepence . '' `` That was your fault , because you forgot my pocket-money . But , really , shall I be rich by and by ? '' `` I am afraid you will . ''
`` Why afraid , XXXXX ? ''
affairs beginning bit expenses eye hand look shoulder square uncle