"What's that?"
"I'll promise to try and cut out the smoking, but it will have to be little by little."
"Jack!"
"My nerves won't stand it," said Skippy, bringing forth the nicotine-splotched hand. "I'll do my best. I will, I'll do it for you. I'll cut down to a box a day."
"A box?"
"Ten cigarettes, only ten, but I must have ten," said Skippy hungrily. "But Jennie, you'll have to help a lot."
"You'll pwomise then?"
"I pwomise," said Skippy, falling into the lisp.
He extended his hand and profiting by the solemnity of the moment held it with the softest and gentlest of thrills, while he said slowly:
"Ten cigarettes a day. No more. That's my solemn promise."