`` Well , now , we 'll see if you mean what you say . I 'll give up smoking to please you , if you will give up something to please me , '' said Prince , seeing a good chance to lord it over the weaker vessel at small cost to himself . `` I 'll agree if it is as foolish as cigars . '' `` Oh , it 's ever so much sillier . '' `` Then I promise ; what is it ? '' and Rose quite trembled with anxiety to know which of her pet habits or possessions she must lose . `` Give up your ear-rings , '' and Charlie laughed wickedly , sure that she would never hold to that bargain . 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 XXXXX , so I promise , and I 'll keep my word . ''
Charlie Jessie Prince Rose bargain ear-rings minute peace right smoking