The boys and girls had taken Dennie as one of them today;
and truly, she did add to the comfort and pleasure of the outing.
It seemed all right down in the woods where all was unconventional.
But now, alone, in how common a grade he seemed to have placed himself,
to be forced to pay attention to the poorest girl in school.
His cheeks grew hot at the very thought of it.

In the shadows, beyond him, a form straightened up stupidly:

"Shay, Profesh Burgush, that you?"

Dennie's father, half-drunken still! Oh, Shades of classic culture!
To what depths in social contact may a college man fall in this wretched land!

"Shay! Is't you, or ain't it you? You gonna tell me?"
Old Bond queried.

"This is Vincent Burgess," the young man replied.

"Dennie home?" the father asked.

"Yes, sir," came the curt answer.

"Who? Who bring her home? Vic Burleigh?"

"I brought her home. She is a good girl, too."

In spite of himself, Burgess resented the shame of such a father
for the capable, happy-spirited daughter.