If he does , she will have the sense to come here for you , or to go home again when you do n't appear , '' said Aunt Jane , returning to her `` Watts on the Mind . '' `` I wish Steve would just cut up and see if she 's there , since I ca n't go , '' began Mac , anxiously . `` Steve wo n't stir a peg , thank you . He 's got his own toes to thaw out , and wants his dinner , '' answered Dandy , just in from school , and wrestling impatiently with his boots . So Mac resigned himself , and Rose waited dutifully till dinner-time assured her that her waiting was in vain . She had done her best to keep warm , had skated till she was tired and hot , then stood watching others till she was chilled ; tried to get up a glow again by trotting up and down the road , but failed to do so , and finally cuddled disconsolately under a pine-tree to wait and watch . When she at length started for home , she was benumbed with cold , and could hardly make her way against the wind that buffeted the frost-bitten rose most unmercifully . Dr. Alec was basking in the warmth of the study fire , after his drive , when the sound of a stifled sob made him hurry to the door and look anxiously into the hall . Rose lay in a shivering bunch near the register , with her things half off , wringing her hands , and trying not to cry with the pain returning warmth brought to her half-frozen fingers . `` My darling , what is it ? '' and Uncle Alec had her in his arms in a minute . `` Mac did n't come I ca n't get warm the fire makes me ache ! '' and with a long shiver Rose burst out crying , while her teeth chattered , and her poor little nose was so blue , it made one 's heart ache to see it . In less time than it takes to tell it , Dr. Alec had her on the sofa rolled up in the bear-skin coat , with Phebe rubbing her cold feet while he rubbed the aching hands , and Aunt Plenty made a comfortable hot drink , and Aunt Peace sent down her own foot-warmer and embroidered blanket `` for the dear . '' Full of remorseful tenderness , Uncle Alec worked over his new patient till she declared she was all right again . He would not let her get up to dinner , but fed her himself , and then forgot his own while he sat watching her fall into a drowse , for Aunt Plenty 's cordial made her sleepy . She lay so several hours for the drowse deepened into a heavy sleep , and Uncle Alec , still at his post , saw with growing anxiety that a feverish colour began to burn in her cheeks , that her breathing was quick and uneven , and now and then she gave a little moan , as if in pain . Suddenly she woke up with a start , and seeing Aunt Plenty bending over her , put out her arms like a sick child , saying wearily , `` Please , could I go to bed ? '' `` The best place for you , deary . Take her right up , Alec ; I 've got the hot water ready , and after a nice bath , she shall have a cup of my sage tea , and be rolled up in blankets to sleep off her cold , '' answered the old lady , cheerily , as she bustled away to give orders .
`` Are you in pain , XXXXX ? ''
Aunt bath cup darling hands home others sound study water