`` Of course , we choose to stay ! Would n't miss our Saturday high tea for anything , '' said the Chief , as he restored order among his men with a nod , a word , and an occasional shake . `` What is up ? a court-martial ? '' asked Charlie , looking at the assembled ladies with affected awe and real curiosity , for these faces betrayed that some interesting business was afloat . Dr. Alec explained in a few words , which he made as brief and calm as he could ; but the effect was exciting , nevertheless , for each of the lads began at once to bribe , entice , and wheedle `` our cousin '' to choose his home . `` You really ought to come to us for mother 's sake , as a relish , you know , for she must be perfectly satiated with boys , '' began Archie , using the strongest argument he could think of at the moment . `` Oh , do ! we 'll never slam , or bounce at you or call you ` fraid cat , ' if you only will , '' besought Geordie and Will , distorting their countenances in the attempt to smile with overpowering sweetness . `` And I 'll always wash my hands ` fore I touch you , and you shall be my dolly , 'cause Pokey 's gone away , and I 'll love you hard , '' cried Jamie , clinging to her with his chubby face full of affection . `` Brothers and sister ought to live together ; especially when the brother needs some one to make home pleasant for him , '' added Charlie , with the wheedlesome tone and look that Rose always found so difficult to resist . `` You had her longest , and it 's our turn now ; Mac needs her more than you do , Prince , for she 's ` the light of his eyes , ' he says . Come , Rose , choose us , and I 'll never use the musky pomade you hate again as long as I live , '' said Steve , with his most killing air , as he offered this noble sacrifice . Mac peered wistfully over his goggles , saying in an unusually wide-awake and earnest way , -- `` Do , cousin , then we can study chemistry together . My experiments do n't blow up very often now , and the gases are n't at all bad when you get used to them . '' Rose meantime had stood quite still , with the flowers dropping from her hands as her eyes went from one eager face to another , while smiles rippled over her own at the various enticements offered her . During the laugh that followed Mac 's handsome proposition , she looked at her uncle , whose eyes were fixed on her with an expression of love and longing that went to her heart . `` Ah ! yes , '' she thought , `` he wants me most ! I 've often longed to give him something that he wished for very much , and now I can . ''
So , when , at a sudden gesture from Aunt Peace , silence fell , XXXXX said slowly , with a pretty colour in her cheeks , and a beseeching look about the room , as if asking pardon of the boys , `` It 's very hard to choose when everybody is so fond of me ; therefore I think I 'd better go to the one who seems to need me most . ''
Alec Archie Chief Geordie Mac Prince Rose countenances court-martial pomade