Eight cousins : or, The aunt-hill

196 EIGHT COUSINS.glers if she likes, and don't bargain about doingwliat you know is right," cried Archie, coming outof his gi'ove of newsj^apers with an indignant bounce.But Itose was bent on showing her aunt that shecould use her influence for the boys' good, and saidsteadily, —"It is fair, and I want it to be so, then you willbelieve I'm in earnest. Here, each of you wear oneof these on your watch-guard to remind you. I shallnot forget, because very soon I cannot wear ear-ringsif I want to."As she spoke. Rose offered a little ring to eachcousin, and the boys, seeing how sincere she was,obeyed her. When the pledges were safe. Rosestretched a hand to each, and the lads gave hersa hearty grip, half |)leased and half ashamed of theirpart in the compact.Just at that moment Dr. Alec and Mrs. Jessiecame in." What 's this ? Dancing Ladies Triumph on Sunday?"exclaimed Uncle Alec, surveying the triowithsurprise."No, sir, it is the Anti-Tobacco League. Willyou join?" said Charlie, while Rose slipped awayto her aunt, and Archie buried both cigars behindthe back log.When the mystery was explained, the elders werewell pleased, and Rose received a vote of thanks,which made her feel as if she had done a service toher country, asshe had, for every boy who grows uj)free from bad habits bids fair to make a good citizen."I wish Rose would drive a bargain with Will