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 Archie 's too , and be good friends again . You never were cross when he was your chum , '' Rose said , looking up at him as he bent toward her from the low chimney-piece , where he had been leaning his elbows . In an instant he stood as stiff and straight as a ramrod , and the heavy eyes kindled with an angry spark as he said , in his high and mighty manner , `` You 'd better not meddle with what you do n't understand , cousin . '' `` But I do understand , and it troubles me very much to see you so cold and stiff to one another . You always used to be together , and now you hardly speak . You are so ready to beg my pardon I do n't see why you ca n't beg Archie 's , if you are in the wrong . '' `` I 'm not ! ''
this was so short and sharp that XXXXX started , and Charlie added in a calmer but still very haughty tone : `` A gentleman always begs pardon when he has been rude to a lady , but one man does n't apologize to another man who has insulted him . ''
Archie Charlie Rosamunda Rose chimney-piece good-nature lips pardon people ramrod