Rose couldn't help laughing as Steve sparred away at a fat sofa-pillow, to illustrate his meaning; and, having given it several scientific whacks, he pulled down his cuffs and smiled upon her with benign pity for her feminine ignorance of this summary way of settling a quarrel.
“What droll things boys are!” she said, with a mixture of admiration and perplexity in her face, which Steve accepted as a compliment to his sex.
“We're a pretty clever invention, miss, and you can't get on without us,” he answered, with his nose in the air. Then, taking a sudden plunge into business, he added, “How about that bit of money you were going to lend me? I've told, now you pay up.”
“Of course I will! How much do you want?” and Rose pulled out her purse.
“Could you spare five dollars? I want to pay a little debt of honour that is rather pressing,” and Steve put on a mannish air that was comical to see.
“Aren't all debts honourable?” asked innocent Rose.
“Yes, of course; but this is a bet I made, and it ought to be settled up at once,” began Steve, finding it awkward to explain.
“Oh, don't bet, it's not right, and I know your father wouldn't like it. Promise you won't do so again; please promise!” and Rose held fast the hand into which she had just put the money.
“Well, I won't. It's worried me a good deal, but I was joked into it. Much obliged, cousin, I'm all right now,” and Steve departed hastily.
Having decided to be a peace-maker, Rose waited for an opportunity, and very soon it came.