Now Charlie cared as little as Archie about smoking, but it would
not do to yield too soon: so he shook his head, gave a great puff,
and said loftily
"You women are always asking us to give up harmless little things
just because you don't approve of them. How would you like it if
we did the same by you, miss?"
"If I did harmful or silly things, I'd thank you for telling me of
them, and I'd try to mend my ways," answered Rose heartily.
"Well, now, we'll see if you mean what you say. I'll give up
smoking to please you, if you will give up something to please
me," said Prince, seeing a good chance to lord it over the weaker
vessel at small cost to himself.
"I'll agree if it is as foolish as cigars."
"Oh, it's ever so much sillier."
"Then I promise; what is it?" and Rose quite trembled with anxiety
to know which of her pet habits or possessions she must lose.
"Give up your ear-rings," and Charlie laughed wickedly, sure that
she would never hold to that bargain.
Rose uttered a cry and clapped both hands to her ears where the
gold rings hung.
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