She felt it was right to do it , yet found it very hard , and asked wistfully , `` Do you mean never wear them , Charlie ? '' `` Never , unless you want me to smoke . '' `` I never do . '' `` Then clinch the bargain . '' He had no idea she would do it , and was much surprised when she took the dear rings from her ears , with a quick gesture , and held them out to him , saying , in a tone that made the colour come up to his brown cheek , it was so full of sweet good will , `` I care more for my cousins than for my ear-rings , so I promise , and I 'll keep my word . '' `` For shame , Prince ! let her wear her little danglers if she likes , and do n't bargain about doing what you know is right , '' cried Archie , coming out of his grove of newspapers with an indignant bounce . But Rose was bent on showing her aunt that she could use her influence for the boys ' good , and said steadily , `` It is fair , and I want it to be so , then you will believe I 'm in earnest . Here , each of you wear one of these on your watch-guard to remind you . I shall not forget , because very soon I can not wear ear-rings if I want to . '' As she spoke , Rose offered a little ring to each cousin , and the boys , seeing how sincere she was , obeyed her . When the pledges were safe , Rose stretched a hand to each , and the lads gave hers a hearty grip , half pleased and half ashamed of their part in the compact . Just at that moment Dr. Alec and Mrs. Jessie came in . `` What 's this ? Dancing Ladies ' Triumph on Sunday ? '' exclaimed Uncle Alec , surveying the trio with surprise . `` No , sir , it is the Anti-Tobacco League . Will you join ? '' said Charlie , while Rose slipped away to her aunt , and Archie buried both cigars behind the back log . When the mystery was explained , the elders were well pleased , and Rose received a vote of thanks , which made her feel as if she had done a service to her country , as she had , for every boy who grows up free from bad habits bids fair to make a good citizen .
`` I wish Rose would drive a bargain with Will and Geordie also , for I think these books are as bad for the small boys as cigars for the large ones , '' said Mrs. Jessie , sitting down on the sofa between the readers , who politely curled up their legs to XXXXX room for her .
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