It's a pity, for I made it myself, and thought we'd have such a good
time with all that cream to float it in. Well, never mind." And he
sat down with a disappointed air.

Rose had made up her mind to be obstinate about it, because she
did heartily "detest" the dish; but as Uncle Alec did not attempt to
make her obey, she suddenly changed her mind and thought she
would.

"I'll try to eat it to please you, uncle; but people are always saying
how wholesome it is, and that makes me hate it," she said,
half-ashamed at her silly excuse.

"I do want you to like it, because I wish my girl to be as well and
strong as Jessie's boys, who are brought up on this in the good old
fashion. No hot bread and fried stuff for them, and they are the
biggest and bonniest lads of the lot. Bless you, auntie, and good
morning!"

Dr. Alec turned to greet the old lady, and, with a firm resolve to
eat or die in the attempt, Rose sat down.

In five minutes she forgot what she was eating, so interested was
she in the chat that went on. It amused her very much to hear Aunt
Plenty call her forty-year-old nephew "my dear boy"; and Uncle
Alec was so full of lively gossip about all creation in general, and
the Aunt-hill in particular, that the detested porridge vanished
without a murmur.

"You will go to church with us, I hope, Alec, if you are not too