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 Rose 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 . '' `` Oh , my heart , what a pepperpot ! '' thought Rose , and , hoping to make him laugh , she added slyly : `` I was not talking about men , but boys , and one of them a Prince , who ought to set a good example to his subjects . '' But Charlie would not relent , and tried to turn the subject by saying gravely , as he unfastened the little gold ring from his watch-guard , `` I 've broken my word , so I want to give this back and free you from the bargain . I 'm sorry , but I think it a foolish promise , and do n't intend to keep it . Choose a pair of ear-rings to suit yourself , as my forfeit . You have a right to wear them now . '' `` No , I can only wear one , and that is no use , for Archie will keep his word I 'm sure ! '' Rose was so mortified and grieved at this downfall of her hopes that she spoke sharply , and would not take the ring the deserter offered her . He shrugged his shoulders , and threw it into her lap , trying to look cool and careless , but failing entirely , for he was ashamed of himself , and out of sorts generally . Rose wanted to cry , but pride would not let her , and , being very angry , she relieved herself by talk instead of tears . Looking pale and excited , she rose out of her chair , cast away the ring , and said in a voice that she vainly tried to keep steady , `` You are not at all the boy I thought you were , and I do n't respect you one bit . I 've tried to help you be good , but you wo n't let me , and I shall not try any more . You talk a great deal about being a gentleman , but you are not , for you 've broken your word , and I can never trust you again . I do n't wish you to go home with me . I 'd rather have Mary . Good-night . ''
And with that last dreadful blow , XXXXX walked out of the room , leaving Charlie as much astonished as if one of his pet pigeons had flown in his face and pecked at him .
Archie Charlie Mary Prince Rose deserter ear-rings pepperpot right watch-guard