Degree.

* * * * *




_THE NIGHT-WATCH AND THE WOULD-BE SOMETHING AWFUL_


Once there was a full-sized Girl named Florine whose Folks kept close
Tab on her. Any night-blooming Harold who presumed to keep the Parlor
open after Midnight heard low Voices in the Hallway and then a Rap
on the Door. If Florine put on her Other Dress and went to a Hop then
Mother would sit up and wait for her, and 1 o'clock was the Outside
Limit. Consequently Florine would have to duck on the Festivities just
when everything was getting Good. Furthermore she would have to warn
Mr. Escort to behave himself when they drew near the House.

"Nothing doing at the Gate," she would say, warningly. "It's Dollars
to Dumplings that the Girl Detective is peeking out to get a line on
my Conduct. She has her Ear to the Ground about four-thirds of the
Time and if any one makes a Move, then Mother is Next. If Father takes
a Drink at the Club and then starts Homeward on a fast Trolley, Mother
knows all about it when he is still three Blocks from the House.
What's more, she is a knowing Bird and can't be fooled by Cloves or
these little Peppermint Choo-Choos. The only time when Mother kisses
Father is when she wants to catch him with the Goods. Look Out! This
is our Corner."