“And PUNK is expressive, but not suited to parlor use.”

“All right—t'ell with PUNK!” He turned and looked. “What's the matter now?” he asked.

“Don't you realize what you've just said?”

“What did I say?”

She turned away to hide a tear.

He threw his arms around her neck and drew her lips down to his.

“Ah, don't worry, Kiddo—I'll do better next time. Honest to God, I will. That's enough for today. Just let's love now. T'ell with the rest.”

She smiled in answer.

“You promise to try honestly?”

He raised his hand in solemn vow.