Yes, I really think you ought to do it before they get worse," said Ariadne, peering into the large clear eye offered for inspection.
"Does it hurt much ?" asked Rose, wavering.
"Oh dear, no; just a prick and a pull, and it's all over.

I've done lots of ears, and know just how.

Come, push up your hair and get a big needle." "I don't quite like to do it without asking uncle's leave," faltered Rose, when all was ready for the operation.
"Did he ever forbid it ?" demanded Ariadne, hovering over her prey like a vampire.
"No, never!" "Then do it, unless you are afraid," cried Miss Blish, bent on accomplishing the deed.
That last word settled the matter, and, closing her eyes, Rose said "Punch!" in the tone of one giving the fatal order "Fire!" Ariadne punched, and the victim bore it in heroic silence, though she turned pale and her eyes were full of tears of anguish.
"There! Now pull the bits of silk often, and cold-cream your ears every night, and you'll soon be ready for the rings," said Ariadne, well pleased with her job, for the girl who spoke French with "a fine accent" lay flat upon the sofa, looking as exhausted as if she had had both ears cut off.
"It does hurt dreadfully, and I know uncle won't like it," sighed Rose, as remorse began to gnaw.

"Promise not to tell, or I shall be teased to death," she added, anxiously, entirely forgetting the two little pitchers gifted with eyes as well as ears, who had been watching the whole performance from afar.
"Never.

Mercy me, what's that ?" and Ariadne started as a sudden sound of steps and voices came up from below.
"It's the boys! Hide the needle.