CHAPTER 21 HOW PHEBE EARNED HER WELCOME.
Dr.Alec had not arrived, but bad tidings had, as Rose guessed the instant her eyes fell upon Aunt Plenty, hobbling downstairs with her cap awry, her face pale, and a letter flapping wildly in her hand as she cried distractedly: "Oh, my boy! My boy! Sick, and I not there to nurse him! Malignant fever, so far away.

What can those children do?
Why did I let Alec go ?" Rose got her into the parlor, and while the poor old lady lamented, she read the letter which Phebe had sent to her that she might "break the news carefully to Rose." DEAR MISS PLENTY, Please read this to yourself first, and tell my little mistress as you think best.

The dear doctor is very ill, but I am with him, and shall not leave him day or night till he is safe.

So trust me, and do not be anxious, for everything shall be done that care and skill and entire devotion can do.

He would not let us tell you before, fearing you would try to come at the risk of your health.