`` 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 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 XXXXX it a foolish promise , and do n't intend to keep it .
'm apologize beg leaning looking meddle speak think understand used