Papa gave them to me last week , and everyone says they are lovely . '' Rose came down from her high horse with a rapidity that was comical , for Ariadne had the upper hand now . Rose adored pretty things , longed to wear them , and the desire of her girlish soul was to have her ears bored , only Dr. Alec thought it foolish , so she never had done it . She would gladly have given all the French she could jabber for a pair of golden bells with pearl-tipped tongues , like those Ariadne wore ; and , clasping her hands , she answered , in a tone that went to the hearer 's heart , `` They are too sweet for anything ! If uncle would only let me wear some , I should be perfectly happy . '' `` I would n't mind what he says . Papa laughed at me at first , but he likes them now , and says I shall have diamond solitaires when I am eighteen , '' said Ariadne , quite satisfied with her shot . `` I 've got a pair now that were mamma 's , and a beautiful little pair of pearl and turquoise ones , that I am dying to wear , '' sighed Rose . `` Then do it . I 'll pierce your ears , and you must wear a bit of silk in them till they are well ; your curls will hide them nicely ; then , some day , slip in your smallest ear-rings , and see if your uncle do n't like them . '' `` I asked him if it would n't do my eyes good once when they were red , and he only laughed . People do cure weak eyes that way , do n't they ? '' `` Yes , indeed , and yours are sort of red . Let me see . Yes , I really think you ought to do it before they get worse , '' said Ariadne , peering into the large clear eye offered for inspection . `` Does it hurt much ? '' asked Rose , wavering . `` Oh dear , no ; just a prick and a pull , and it 's all over . I 've done lots of ears , and know just how . 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 XXXXX , when all was ready for the operation .
Alec Ariadne Dr. French Rose day ear-rings first solitaires tone