Rose uttered a cry and clapped both hands to her ears where the gold rings hung . `` Oh , Charlie , would n't anything else do as well ? I 've been through so much teasing and trouble , I do want to enjoy my pretty ear-rings , for I can wear them now . '' `` Wear as many as you like , and I 'll smoke in peace , '' returned this bad boy . `` Will nothing else satisfy you ? '' imploringly . `` Nothing , '' sternly . Rose stood silent for a minute , thinking of something Aunt Jessie once said `` You have more influence over the boys than you know ; use it for their good , and I shall thank you all my life . '' Here was a chance to do some good by sacrificing a little vanity of her own . She felt it was right to do it , yet found it very hard , and asked wistfully , `` Do you mean never wear them , Charlie ? '' `` Never , unless you want me to smoke . '' `` I never do . '' `` Then clinch the bargain . '' He had no idea she would do it , and was much surprised when she took the dear rings from her ears , with a quick gesture , and held them out to him , saying , in a tone that made the colour come up to his brown cheek , it was so full of sweet good will , `` I care more for my cousins than for my ear-rings , so I promise , and I 'll keep my word . '' `` For shame , Prince ! let her wear her little danglers if she likes , and do n't bargain about doing what you know is right , '' cried Archie , coming out of his grove of newspapers with an indignant bounce . But Rose was bent on showing her aunt that she could use her influence for the boys ' good , and said steadily , `` It is fair , and I want it to be so , then you will believe I 'm in earnest . Here , each of you wear one of these on your watch-guard to remind you . I shall not forget , because very soon I can not wear ear-rings if I want to . '' As she spoke , Rose offered a little ring to each cousin , and the boys , seeing how sincere she was , obeyed her .
When the pledges were safe , XXXXX stretched a hand to each , and the lads gave hers a hearty grip , half pleased and half ashamed of their part in the compact .
Archie Charlie Jessie Prince Rose colour danglers ear-rings minute watch-guard