nothing, he has a hard time of it, poor
fellow."

"How many letters in five days?"

"Four, sir, to me. She doesn't write to him, Uncle."

"As yet. Well, you show hers, so it's all right and you are a set of
sentimental youngsters." And the doctor walked away, looking as if he
enjoyed the sentiment as much as any of them.

Old Miss Campbell was nearly as great a favorite as young Miss Campbell,
so a succession of black coats and white gloves flowed in and out of the
hospitable mansion pretty steadily all day. The clan was out in great
force, and came by in installments to pay their duty to Aunt Plenty
and wish the compliments of the season to "our cousin." Archie appeared
first, looking sad but steadfast, and went away with Phebe's letter in
his left breast pocket feeling that life was still endurable, though his
love was torn from him, for Rose had many comfortable things to say and
read him delicious bits from the voluminous correspondence lately begun.

Hardly was he gone when Will and Geordie came marching in, looking
as fine as gray uniforms with much scarlet piping could make them and
feeling peculiarly important, as this was their first essay in New
Year's call-making. Brief was their stay, for they planned to visit
every friend they had, and Rose could not help laughing at the droll
mixture of manly dignity and boyish delight with which they drove off
in their own carriage, both as erect as ramrods, arms folded, and caps
stuck at exactly the same angle on each blond head.

"Here comes the other couple Steve, in full feather, with a big bouquet
for Kitty, and poor Mac, looking like a gentleman and feeling like a
martyr, I'm sure," said Rose, watching one carriage turn in as the
other turned out of the great gate, with its arch of holly, ivy, and
evergreen.

"Here he is. I've got him in tow for the day and want you to cheer him
up with a word of praise, for he came without a struggle though planning
to bolt somewhere with Uncle," cried Steve, falling back to display his
brother, who came in looking remarkably well in his state and festival
array, for polishing had begun to tell.

"A happy New Year, Aunty, same to you, Cousin, and best wishes for as
many more as you deserve," said Mac, heeding Steve no more than if he
had been a fly as he gave the old lady a hearty kiss and offered Rose a
quaint little nosegay of pansies.

"Heart's-ease do you think I need it?" she asked, looking up with sudden
sobriety.