Eight cousins : or, The aunt-hill

EAR-RINGS. 173" I '11 be hanged if I do !" answered Prince, who dislikedMiss Blish because she tried to be coquettish withhim." Then I will," and, to the dismay of both recreantlads, Dr. Alec walked out of the room to offer his servicesto the " chit."He was too late, however, for Mac, obeying a lookfrom Rose, had already made a victim of himself, andtrudged meekly away, wishing the gentle Ariadne atthe bottom of the Red Sea." Then I will take this lady down to tea, as the otherone has found a gentleman to go home with her.I seethe lamps are lighted below, and I smell a smell whichtells me that aunty has something extra nice for usto-night."As he spoke. Dr. Alec was preparing tocarry Rosedownstairs as usual ; but Archie and Prince rushedforward, begging with penitent eagerness for the honorof carrying her in an arm-chair. Rose consented, fearingthat her uncle's keen eye would discover the fatalbits of silk ; so the boys crossed hands, and, taking agood grip of each curly pate, she was borne down instate, while the others followed by way ofthe banisters.Tea was ordered earlier than usual, so that Jamieand his dolly could have a taste, at least, of the holidayfun, for they were to stay till seven, and be allowedtwelve roasted chestnuts apiece, which they wereunder bonds not to eat till next day.Tea was despatched rapidly, therefore, and the partygathered round the wide hearth in the dining-room,where the nuts Avere soon dancing gayly on hot shov-