`` If he was my brother , now , he 'd have some right to interfere , '' began Charlie , in an injured tone . `` I wish he was ! '' cried Rose . `` So do I , '' answered Charlie , and then they both laughed at his inconsistency . The laugh did them good , and when Prince spoke again , it was in a different tone pensive , not proud nor perverse . `` You see , it 's hard upon me that I have no brothers and sisters . The others are better off and need n't go abroad for chums if they do n't like . I am all alone , and I 'd be thankful even for a little sister . '' Rose thought that very pathetic , and , overlooking the uncomplimentary word `` even '' in that last sentence , she said , with a timid sort of earnestness that conquered her cousin at once , `` Play I was a little sister . I know I 'm silly , but perhaps I 'm better than nothing , and I 'd dearly love to do it . '' `` So should I ! and we will , for you are not silly , my dear , but a very sensible girl , we all think , and I 'm proud to have you for a sister . There , now ! '' and Charlie looked down at the curly head bobbing along beside him with real affection in his face . Rose gave a skip of pleasure , and laid one seal-skin mitten over the other on his arm , as she said happily , `` That 's so nice of you ! Now , you need n't be lonely any more , and I 'll try to fill Archie 's place till he comes back , for I know he will , as soon as you let him . '' `` Well , I do n't mind telling you that while he was my mate I never missed brothers and sisters , or wanted anyone else ; but since he cast me off , I 'll be hanged if I do n't feel as forlorn as old Crusoe before Friday turned up . '' This burst of confidence confirmed Rose in her purpose of winning Charlie 's Mentor back to him , but she said no more , contented to have done so well . They parted excellent friends , and Prince went home , wondering why `` a fellow did n't mind saying things to a girl or woman which they would die before they 'd own to another fellow . '' Rose also had some sage reflections upon the subject , and fell asleep thinking that there were a great many curious things in this world , and feeling that she was beginning to find out some of them .
Next day she trudged up the hill to see Archie , and having told him as much as she thought best about her talk with XXXXX , begged him to forget and forgive .
Archie Charlie Crusoe Prince Rose chums girl mitten right tone