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 Charlie , in his teasing way . `` No , he does n't ! He has given it up , and I know why , '' cried Rose eagerly . `` Now I think of it , I have n't seen the old meerschaum since he came home . Did he stop it on our account ? '' asked Archie . `` Yes , '' and Rose told the little scene on the seashore in the camping-out time .
XXXXX seemed much impressed , and said manfully , `` He wo n't have done that in vain so far as I 'm concerned .
Alec Archie Charlie Prince Rose bar-room days inkstand meerschaum smoking