forfeit ! '' in which the little traitor came to join . `` Now I 've got her , '' thought the young rascal , exulting in his fun-loving soul . `` Now I 'm lost , '' thought Rose , as she gave up her pin-cushion with a sternly defiant look that would have daunted anyone but the reckless Prince . In fact , it made even him think twice , and resolve to `` let Rose off easy , '' she had been so clever . `` Here 's a very pretty pawn , and what shall be done to redeem it ? '' asked Steve , holding the pin-cushion over Charlie 's head , for he had insisted on being judge , and kept that for the last . `` Fine or superfine ? '' `` Super . '' `` Hum , well , she shall take old Mac under the mistletoe , and kiss him prettily . Wo n't he be mad , though ? '' and this bad boy chuckled over the discomfort he had caused two harmless beings . There was an impressive pause among the young folks in their corner , for they all knew that Mac would `` be mad , '' since he hated nonsense of this sort , and had gone to talk with the elders when the game began . At this moment he was standing before the fire , listening to a discussion between his uncles and his father , looking as wise as a young owl , and blissfully unconscious of the plots against him . Charlie expected that Rose would say , `` I wo n't ! '' therefore he was rather astonished , not to say gratified , when , after a look at the victim , she laughed suddenly , and , going up to the group of gentlemen , drew her uncle Mac under the mistletoe and surprised him with a hearty kiss . `` Thank you , my dear , '' said the innocent gentleman , looking much pleased at the unexpected honour . `` Oh , come ; that 's not fair , '' began Charlie . But Rose cut him short by saying , as she made him a fine courtesy , `` You said ` Old Mac , ' and though it was very disrespectful , I did it . That was your last chance , sir , and you 've lost it . ''
He certainly had , for , as he spoke , Rose pulled down the mistletoe and threw it into the XXXXX , while the boys jeered at the crestfallen Prince , and exalted quick-witted Rose to the skies .
Charlie Mac Prince Rose Steve beings fire pin-cushion superfine victim