If you like boats and horses , you 'll enjoy yourself first-rate . '' `` But I do n't ! I 'm afraid of horses , and boats make me ill , and I hate boys ! '' And poor Rose wrung her hands at the awful prospect before her . One of these horrors alone she could have borne , but all together were too much for her , and she began to think of a speedy return to the detested school . Phebe laughed at her woe till the beans danced in the pan , but tried to comfort her by suggesting a means of relief . `` Perhaps your uncle will take you away where there ai n't any boys . Debby says he is a real kind man , and always bring heaps of nice things when he comes . '' `` Yes , but you see that is another trouble , for I do n't know Uncle Alec at all . He hardly ever came to see us , though he sent me pretty things very often . Now I belong to him , and shall have to mind him , till I am eighteen . I may not like him a bit , and I fret about it all the time . '' `` Well , I would n't borrow trouble , but have a real good time . I 'm sure I should think I was in clover if I had folks and money , and nothing to do but enjoy myself , '' began Phebe , but got no further , for a sudden rush and tumble outside made them both jump . `` It 's thunder , '' said Phebe . `` It 's a circus ! '' cried Rose , who from her elevated perch had caught glimpses of a gay cart of some sort and several ponies with flying manes and tails . The sound died away , and the girls were about to continue their confidences when old Debby appeared , looking rather cross and sleepy after her nap . `` You are wanted in the parlor , Miss Rose . '' `` Has anybody come ? ''
`` Little XXXXX should n't ask questions , but do as they are bid , '' was all Debby would answer .
Miss boats girls glimpses hands return school things trouble woe