`` I asked him if it would n't do my eyes good once when they were red , and he only laughed . People do cure weak eyes that way , do n't they ? '' `` Yes , indeed , and yours are sort of red . Let me see . Yes , I really think you ought to do it before they get worse , '' said Ariadne , peering into the large clear eye offered for inspection . `` Does it hurt much ? '' asked Rose , wavering . `` Oh dear , no ; just a prick and a pull , and it 's all over . I 've done lots of ears , and know just how . Come , push up your hair and get a big needle . '' `` I do n't quite like to do it without asking uncle 's leave , '' faltered Rose , when all was ready for the operation . `` Did he ever forbid it ? '' demanded Ariadne , hovering over her prey like a vampire . `` No , never ! '' `` Then do it , unless you are afraid , '' cried Miss Blish , bent on accomplishing the deed . That last word settled the matter , and , closing her eyes , Rose said `` Punch ! '' in the tone of one giving the fatal order `` Fire ! '' Ariadne punched , and the victim bore it in heroic silence , though she turned pale and her eyes were full of tears of anguish . `` There ! 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 XXXXX dreadfully , and I know uncle wo n't like it , '' sighed Rose , as remorse began to gnaw .
accomplishing asked asking bore hovering hurt peering pull think turned