`` Read and improve your mind , my son , '' answered Archie , peering solemnly over the paper behind which he had been dozing . `` Do n't you preach , parson , but put on your boots and come out for a tramp , instead of mulling over the fire like a granny . '' `` No , thank you , tramps in an easterly storm do n't strike me as amusing . '' There Archie stopped and held up his hand , for a pleasant voice was heard saying outside , `` Are the boys in the library , auntie ? '' `` Yes , dear , and longing for sunshine ; so run in and make it for them , '' answered Mrs. Jessie . `` It 's Rose , '' and Archie threw his cigar into the fire . `` What 's that for ? '' asked Charlie . `` Gentlemen do n't smoke before ladies . '' `` True ; but I 'm not going to waste my weed , '' and Prince poked his into the empty inkstand that served them for an ash tray . A gentle tap at the door was answered by a chorus of `` Come in , '' and Rose appeared , looking blooming and breezy with the chilly air . `` If I disturb you , say so , and I 'll go away , '' she began , pausing on the threshold with modest hesitation , for something in the elder boys ' faces excited her curiosity . `` You never disturb us , cousin , '' said the smokers , while the readers tore themselves from the heroes of the bar-room and gutter long enough to nod affably to their guest . As Rose bent to warm her hands , one end of Archie 's cigar stuck out of the ashes , smoking furiously and smelling strongly . `` Oh , you bad boys , how could you do it , to-day of all days ? '' she said reproachfully . `` Where 's the harm ? '' asked Archie . `` You know as well as I do ; your mother does n't like it , and it 's a bad habit , for it wastes money and does you no good . '' `` Fiddlesticks !
every man smokes , even Uncle Alec , whom you think so perfect , '' began XXXXX , in his teasing way .
Archie Charlie Jessie Rose bar-room days fire inkstand smoking tramps