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Please dont call him names! I guess he has what is called moral courage, and you physical courage. Uncle explained the difference to me, and moral is the best, though often it doesnt look so, said Rose thoughtfully. Charlie didnt like that, and answered quickly, I dont believe hed stand it any better than I do, if he had those fellows at him. Perhaps thats why he keeps out of their way, and wants you to. Rose had him there, and Charlie felt it, but would not give in just yet, though he was going fast, for somehow, in the dark he seemed to see things clearer than in the light, and found it very easy to be confidential when it was only Rose. If he was my brother, now, hed have some right to interfere, began Charlie, in an injured tone. I wish he was! cried Rose. So do I, answered Charlie, and then they both laughed at his inconsistency. The laugh did them good, and when Prince spoke again, it was in a different tonepensive, not proud nor perverse. You see, its hard upon me that I have no brothers and sisters. The others are better off and neednt go abroad for chums if they dont like. I am all alone, and Id be thankful even for a little sister. Rose thought that very pathetic, and, overlooking the uncomplimentary word even in that last sentence, she said, with a timid sort of earnestness that conquered her cousin at once Play I was a little sister. I know Im silly, but perhaps Im better than nothing, and Id dearly love to do it. So should I! and we will, for you are not silly, my dear, but a very sensible girl, we all think, and Im proud to have you for a sister. There, now! and Charlie looked down at the curly head bobbing along beside him with real affection in his face. Rose gave a skip of pleasure, and laid one seal-skin mitten over the other on his arm, as she said happily Thats so nice of you! Now, you neednt be lonely any more, and Ill try to fill Archies place till he comes back, for I know he will, as soon as you let him. Well, I dont mind telling you that while he was my mate I never missed brothers and sisters, or wanted anyone else; but since he cast me off, Ill be hanged if I dont feel as forlorn as old Crusoe before Friday turned up. This burst of confidence confirmed Rose in her purpose of winning Charlies Mentor back to him, but she said no more, contented to have done so well. They parted excellent friends, and Prince went home, wondering why a fellow didnt mind saying things to a girl or woman which they would die before theyd own to another fellow. Rose also had some sage reflections upon the subject, and fell asleep thinking that there were a great many curious things in this world, and feeling that she was beginning to find out some of them. Next day she trudged up the hill to see Archie, and having told him as much as she thought best about her talk with Charlie, begged him to forget and forgive. |
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