`` Of course I will ! How much do you want ? '' and Rose pulled out her purse . `` Could you spare five dollars ? I want to pay a little debt of honour that is rather pressing , '' and Steve put on a mannish air that was comical to see . `` Are n't all debts honourable ? '' asked innocent Rose . `` Yes , of course ; but this is a bet I made , and it ought to be settled up at once , '' began Steve , finding it awkward to explain . `` Oh , do n't bet , it 's not right , and I know your father would n't like it . Promise you wo n't do so again ; please promise ! '' and Rose held fast the hand into which she had just put the money . `` Well , I wo n't . It 's worried me a good deal , but I was joked into it . Much obliged , cousin , I 'm all right now , '' and Steve departed hastily . Having decided to be a peace-maker , Rose waited for an opportunity , and very soon it came . She was spending the day with Aunt Clara , who had been entertaining some young guests , and invited Rose to meet them , for she thought it high time her niece conquered her bashfulness and saw a little of society . Dinner was over , and everyone had gone . Aunt Clara was resting before going out to an evening party , and Rose was waiting for Charlie to come and take her home . She sat alone in the elegant drawing-room , feeling particularly nice and pretty , for she had her best frock on , a pair of gold bands her aunt had just given her , and a tea-rose bud in her sash , like the beautiful Miss Van Tassel , whom everyone admired . She had spread out her little skirts to the best advantage , and , leaning back in a luxurious chair , sat admiring her own feet in new slippers with rosettes almost as big as dahlias .
Presently XXXXX came lounging in , looking rather sleepy and queer , Rose thought .
Charlie Clara Rose Steve Tassel bashfulness dahlias evening peace-maker right