`` Oh , my heart , what a pepperpot ! '' thought Rose , and , hoping to make him laugh , she added slyly : `` I was not talking about men , but boys , and one of them a Prince , who ought to set a good example to his subjects . '' But Charlie would not relent , and tried to turn the subject by saying gravely , as he unfastened the little gold ring from his watch-guard , `` I 've broken my word , so I want to give this back and free you from the bargain . I 'm sorry , but I think it a foolish promise , and do n't intend to keep it . Choose a pair of ear-rings to suit yourself , as my forfeit . You have a right to wear them now . '' `` No , I can only wear one , and that is no use , for Archie will keep his word I 'm sure ! '' Rose was so mortified and grieved at this downfall of her hopes that she spoke sharply , and would not take the ring the deserter offered her . He shrugged his shoulders , and threw it into her lap , trying to look cool and careless , but failing entirely , for he was ashamed of himself , and out of sorts generally . Rose wanted to cry , but pride would not let her , and , being very angry , she relieved herself by talk instead of tears . Looking pale and excited , she rose out of her chair , cast away the ring , and said in a voice that she vainly tried to keep steady , `` You are not at all the boy I thought you were , and I do n't respect you one bit . I 've tried to help you be good , but you wo n't let me , and I shall not try any more . You talk a great deal about being a gentleman , but you are not , for you 've broken your word , and I can never trust you again . I do n't wish you to go home with me . I 'd rather have Mary . Good-night . '' And with that last dreadful blow , Rose walked out of the room , leaving Charlie as much astonished as if one of his pet pigeons had flown in his face and pecked at him . She was so seldom angry , that when her temper did get the better of her it made a deep impression on the lads , for it was generally a righteous sort of indignation at some injustice or wrong-doing , not childish passion . Her little thunderstorm cleared off in a sob or two as she put on her things in the entry-closet , and when she emerged she looked the brighter for the shower . A hasty good-night to Aunt Clara now under the hands of the hairdresser and then she crept down to find Mary the maid .
But XXXXX was out , so was the man , and Rose slipped away by the back-door , flattering herself that she had escaped the awkwardness of having Charlie for escort .
Mary Rose deserter ear-rings entry-closet pepperpot right thunderstorm watch-guard wrong-doing