Rose uttered a cry and clapped both hands to her ears where the gold rings hung.
"O Charlie, wouldn't any thing else do as well? I've been through so much teasing and trouble, I do want to enjoy my pretty ear-rings, for I can wear them now."
"Wear as many as you like, and I'll smoke in peace," returned this bad boy.
"Will nothing else satisfy you?" imploringly.
"Nothing," sternly.
Rose stood silent for a minute, thinking of something Aunt Jessie once said,—"You have more influence over the boys than you know; use it for their good, and I shall thank you all my life." Here was a chance to do some good by sacrificing a little vanity of her own. 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."