She was spending the day with Aunt Clara , who had been entertaining some young guests , and invited Rose to meet them , for she thought it high time her niece conquered her bashfulness and saw a little of society . Dinner was over , and everyone had gone . Aunt Clara was resting before going out to an evening party , and Rose was waiting for Charlie to come and take her home . She sat alone in the elegant drawing-room , feeling particularly nice and pretty , for she had her best frock on , a pair of gold bands her aunt had just given her , and a tea-rose bud in her sash , like the beautiful Miss Van Tassel , whom everyone admired . She had spread out her little skirts to the best advantage , and , leaning back in a luxurious chair , sat admiring her own feet in new slippers with rosettes almost as big as dahlias . Presently Charlie came lounging in , looking rather sleepy and queer , Rose thought . On seeing her , however , he roused up and said with a smile that ended in a gape , `` I thought you were with mother , so I took forty winks after I got those girls off . Now , I 'm at your service , Rosamunda , whenever you like . '' `` You look as if your head ached . If it does , do n't mind me . I 'm not afraid to run home alone , it 's so early , '' answered Rose , observing the flushed cheeks and heavy eyes of her cousin . `` I think I see myself letting you do it . Champagne always makes my headache , but the air will set me up . '' `` Why do you drink it , then ? '' asked Rose , anxiously . `` Ca n't help it , when I 'm host . Now , do n't you begin to lecture ; I 've had enough of Archie 's old-fashioned notions , and I do n't want any more . '' Charlie 's tone was decidedly cross , and his whole manner so unlike his usual merry good-nature , that Rose felt crushed , and answered meekly , `` I was n't going to lecture , only when people like other people , they ca n't bear to see them suffer pain . '' That brought Charlie round at once , for Rose 's lips trembled a little , though she tried to hide it by smelling the flower she pulled from her sash . `` I 'm a regular bear , and I beg your pardon for being so cross , Rosy , '' he said in the old frank way that was so winning .
`` I wish you 'd beg XXXXX 's too , and be good friends again .
Archie Charlie Clara Rosamunda Rose Tassel bashfulness evening good-nature winks