`` I would n't mind what he says . Papa laughed at me at first , but he likes them now , and says I shall have diamond solitaires when I am eighteen , '' said Ariadne , quite satisfied with her shot . `` I 've got a pair now that were mamma 's , and a beautiful little pair of pearl and turquoise ones , that I am dying to wear , '' sighed Rose . `` Then do it . I 'll pierce your ears , and you must wear a bit of silk in them till they are well ; your curls will hide them nicely ; then , some day , slip in your smallest ear-rings , and see if your uncle do n't like them . '' `` 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 XXXXX `` Punch ! ''
Come Let asking forbid hovering mind pierce said slip wavering