`` 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 . Archie seemed much impressed , and said manfully , `` He wo n't have done that in vain so far as I 'm concerned . I do n't care a pin about smoking , so can give it up as easy as not , and I promise you I will . I only do it now and then for fun . '' `` You too ? '' and Rose looked up at the bonny Prince , who never looked less bonny than at that moment , for he had resumed his cigar just to torment her . Now Charlie cared as little as Archie about smoking , but it would not do to yield too soon : so he shook his head , gave a great puff , and said loftily , `` You women are always asking us to give up harmless little things just because you do n't approve of them . How would you like it if we did the same by you , miss ? '' `` If I did harmful or silly things , I 'd thank you for telling me of them , and I 'd try to mend my ways , '' answered Rose heartily . `` Well , now , we 'll see if you mean what you say .
I 'll give up XXXXX to please you , if you will give up something to please me , '' said Prince , seeing a good chance to lord it over the weaker vessel at small cost to himself .
Alec Archie Charlie Prince Rose bonny meerschaum pin smoking time