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 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 XXXXX 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 .
Choose kindled leaning looking meddle offered said stood take wear