Now pull the bits of silk often , and cold-cream your ears every night , and you 'll soon be ready for the rings , '' said Ariadne , well pleased with her job , for the girl who spoke French with `` a fine accent '' lay flat upon the sofa , looking as exhausted as if she had had both ears cut off . `` It does hurt dreadfully , and I know uncle wo n't like it , '' sighed Rose , as remorse began to gnaw . `` Promise not to tell , or I shall be teased to death , '' she added , anxiously , entirely forgetting the two little pitchers gifted with eyes as well as ears , who had been watching the whole performance from afar . `` Never . Mercy me , what 's that ? '' and Ariadne started as a sudden sound of steps and voices came up from below . `` It 's the boys ! Hide the needle . Do my ears show ? Do n't breathe a word ! '' whispered Rose , scrambling about to conceal all traces of their iniquity from the sharp eyes of the Clan . Up they came , all in good order , laden with the proceeds of a nutting expedition , for they always reported to Rose and paid tribute to their queen in the handsomest manner . `` How many , and how big ! We 'll have a grand roasting frolic after tea , wo n't we ? '' said Rose , plunging both hands into a bag of glossy brown nuts , while the Clan `` stood at ease '' and nodded to Ariadne . `` That lot was picked especially for you , Rosy . I got every one myself , and they are extra whackers , '' said Mac , presenting a bushel or so . `` You should have seen Giglamps when he was after them . He pitched out of the tree , and would have broken his blessed old neck if Arch had not caught him , '' observed Steve , as he lounged gracefully in the window seat . `` You need n't talk , Dandy , when you did n't know a chestnut from a beech , and kept on thrashing till I told you of it , '' retorted Mac , festooning himself over the back of the sofa , being a privileged boy .
`` I do n't make mistakes when I thrash you , old Worm , so you 'd better mind what you are about , '' answered XXXXX , without a ray of proper respect for his elder brother .
Arch Ariadne Clan Dandy French Rose Steve iniquity night thrashing