"What a dweadful thide of life you've theen," said Miss Tupper, appalled. "At your age, too!"
"I say, I never expected to tell any one this."
"But aren't you glad you did? Don't you feel better now that you've told the twuth!" said Miss Tupper enthusiastically.
Skippy thought this over and acknowledged finally that confession was a relief.
"Now pwomise never, never to gamble, smoke, or dwink. Pwomise, Jack. You don't know how much better you'll feel."
"I'm not strong on signing pledges and that sort of thing," said Skippy cautiously.
"Oh no, juth pwomise."
"For how long?"
"Until you're twenty-one."
"I think it's better to promise what you're sure you can carry out, don't you? It has a better effect," said Skippy craftily. "Tell you what I'll do. I'll make a promise for a year. Only there's one thing."