twittering went on among the birds, busy with their summer
house-keeping, and, far away, the white-winged gulls were dipping
and diving in the sea, where ships, like larger birds, went sailing to
and fro.

"Oh, Phebe, it's such a lovely day, I do wish your fine secret was
going to happen right away! I feel just like having a good time;
don't you?" said Rose, waving her arms as if she was going to fly.

"I often feel that way, but I have to wait for my good times, and
don't stop working to wish for 'em. There, now you can finish as
soon as the dust settles; I must go do my stairs," and Phebe trudged
away with the broom, singing as she went.

Rose leaned where she was, and fell to thinking how many good
times she had had lately, for the gardening had prospered finely,
and she was learning to swim and row, and there were drives and
walks, and quiet hours of reading and talk with Uncle Alec, and,
best of all, the old pain and ennui seldom troubled her now. She
could work and play all day, sleep sweetly all night, and enjoy life
with the zest of a healthy, happy child. She was far from being as
strong and hearty as Phebe, but she was getting on; the once pale
cheeks had colour in them now, the hands were growing plump
and brown, and the belt was not much too loose. No one talked to
her about her health, and she forgot that she had "no constitution."
She took no medicine but Dr. Alec's three great remedies, and they
seemed to suit her excellently. Aunt Plenty said it was the pills;
but, as no second batch had ever followed the first, I think the old
lady was mistaken.