Uncle Alec slyly laid a bit of it on Aunt Peace 's cap , and then softly kissed her ; which little joke seemed to please her very much , for she liked to have part in all the home pastimes , and Alec was her favourite nephew . Charlie alone failed to catch his shy bird , and the oftener she escaped the more determined he was to ensnare her . When every other wile had been tried in vain , he got Archie to propose a game with forfeits . `` I understand that dodge , '' thought Rose , and was on her guard so carefully that not one among the pile soon collected belonged to her . `` Now let us redeem them and play something else , '' said Will , quite unconscious of the deeply-laid plots all about him . `` One more round and then we will , '' answered the Prince , who had now baited his trap anew . Just as the question came to Rose , Jamie 's voice was heard in the hall , crying distressfully , `` Oh , come quick , quick ! '' Rose started up , missed the question , and was greeted with a general cry of `` Forfeit ! forfeit ! '' in which the little traitor came to join . `` Now I 've got her , '' thought the young rascal , exulting in his fun-loving soul . `` Now I 'm lost , '' thought Rose , as she gave up her pin-cushion with a sternly defiant look that would have daunted anyone but the reckless Prince . In fact , it made even him think twice , and resolve to `` let Rose off easy , '' she had been so clever . `` Here 's a very pretty pawn , and what shall be done to redeem it ? '' asked Steve , holding the pin-cushion over Charlie 's head , for he had insisted on being judge , and kept that for the last . `` Fine or superfine ? '' `` Super . '' `` Hum , well , she shall take old Mac under the mistletoe , and kiss him prettily . Wo n't he be mad , though ? '' and this bad boy chuckled over the discomfort he had caused two harmless beings .
There was an impressive pause among the young folks in their corner , for they all knew that XXXXX would `` be mad , '' since he hated nonsense of this sort , and had gone to talk with the elders when the game began .
Alec Charlie Jamie Mac Peace Prince Rose forfeits pin-cushion wile