Come , push up your hair and get a big needle . '' `` I do n't quite like to do it without asking uncle 's leave , '' faltered Rose , when all was ready for the operation . `` Did he ever forbid it ? '' demanded Ariadne , hovering over her prey like a vampire . `` No , never ! '' `` Then do it , unless you are afraid , '' cried Miss Blish , bent on accomplishing the deed . That last word settled the matter , and , closing her eyes , Rose said `` Punch ! '' in the tone of one giving the fatal order `` Fire ! '' Ariadne punched , and the victim bore it in heroic silence , though she turned pale and her eyes were full of tears of anguish . `` There ! Now pull the bits of silk often , and cold-cream your ears every night , and you 'll soon be ready for the rings , '' said Ariadne , well pleased with her job , for the girl who spoke French with `` a fine accent '' lay flat upon the sofa , looking as exhausted as if she had had both ears cut off . `` It does hurt dreadfully , and I know uncle wo n't like it , '' sighed Rose , as remorse began to gnaw . `` Promise not to tell , or I shall be teased to death , '' she added , anxiously , entirely forgetting the two little pitchers gifted with eyes as well as ears , who had been watching the whole performance from afar . `` Never . Mercy me , what 's that ? '' and Ariadne started as a sudden sound of steps and voices came up from below . `` It 's the boys ! Hide the needle . Do my ears show ? Do n't breathe a word ! ''
whispered XXXXX , scrambling about to conceal all traces of their iniquity from the sharp eyes of the Clan .
Ariadne Blish French Rose hair night operation remorse vampire victim