“Where have you been living all your life? I couldn't get along without my cigar.”
“Don't you think it hurtful to a boy to smoke?”
“I don't know about that. I'm a man now, but I've smoked ever since I was a boy. I think it does a fellow good.”
“But it's expensive.”
“Yes, that's so. I expect I've smoked a thousand dollars' worth of cigars in the course of my life.”
“Don't you wish you had the money instead?”
“Yes; I should rather like the money, but I shouldn't be half the man I am if I hadn't smoked. It's mostly milksops that don't smoke. Nothing personal, you know, Mason.”
“Of course not,” said Herbert, smiling.
“Better have a cigar.”
“No; I guess not.”