`` That 's the trouble ; Arch preaches , and Prince wo n't stand it . He told Arch he was a prig and a parson , and Arch told him he was n't a gentleman . My boots ! 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 XXXXX , finding it awkward to explain .
Arch Prince Rose Steve dollars minute prig right sofa-pillow whacks