were n't they both mad , though ! I thought for a minute they 'd pitch into one another and have it out . Wish they had , and not gone stalking round stiff and glum ever since . Mac and I settle our rows with a bat or so over the head , and then we are all right . '' Rose could n't help laughing as Steve sparred away at a fat sofa-pillow , to illustrate his meaning ; and , having given it several scientific whacks , he pulled down his cuffs and smiled upon her with benign pity for her feminine ignorance of this summary way of settling a quarrel . `` What droll things boys are ! '' she said , with a mixture of admiration and perplexity in her face , which Steve accepted as a compliment to his sex . `` We 're a pretty clever invention , miss , and you ca n't get on without us , '' he answered , with his nose in the air . Then , taking a sudden plunge into business , he added , `` How about that bit of money you were going to lend me ? I 've told , now you pay up . '' `` Of course I will ! How much do you want ? '' and Rose pulled out her purse . `` Could you spare five dollars ? I want to pay a little debt of honour that is rather pressing , '' and Steve put on a mannish air that was comical to see . `` Are n't all debts honourable ? '' asked innocent Rose . `` Yes , of course ; but this is a bet I made , and it ought to be settled up at once , '' began Steve , finding it awkward to explain . `` Oh , do n't bet , it 's not right , and I know your father would n't like it . Promise you wo n't do so again ; please promise ! ''
and XXXXX held fast the hand into which she had just put the money .
Rose Steve course cuffs dollars minute purse right sofa-pillow whacks