Eight Cousins

The next morning, Uncle Alec teaches Rose how to milk a cow and then encourages her to go for a run around the garden. When Rose comes back after running, he tells her to loosen her tight belt because it restricts her airways. Rose protests, as she is proud of her slender stature and fancy belt, admitting to Uncle Alec that she cares about how she looks and is happy to hear that he thinks she is pretty. Alec explains that real beauty is linked to good health and that she should aspire to be as healthy as Phebe, who is strong from performing acts of physical labor. This shocks Rose, and she is affronted by the idea of wearing old clothes, being poor, and performing domestic chores. He soothes her by rifling through the clothes and other gifts that he has brought her from India.

While Alec is busy refurbishing an unused room in the house, Rose dresses herself in loose, colorful clothes. Uncle Alec praises her new outfit and orders her to stop wearing black, the color of mourning that she has been wearing since her father’s death. Rose generously offers to share her abundant wardrobe with Phebe, but Aunt Peace advises that her old black dresses would be a more practical gift.