"You WILL go with her to-night, Walter?" his mother pleaded, not
stopping to enlighten him. "You don't understand how hard things
are for her and how brave she is about them, or you COULDN'T be
so selfish! It'd be more than I can bear to see her disappointed
to-night! She went clear out to Belleview Park this afternoon,
Walter, and spent hours and hours picking violets to wear. You
WILL----"

Walter's heart was not iron, and the episode of the violets may
have reached it. "Oh, BLUB!" he said, and flung his soft hat
violently at the wall.

His mother beamed with delight. "THAT'S a good boy, darling!
You'll never be sorry you----"

"Cut it out," he requested. "If I take her, will you pay for a
taxi?"

"Oh, Walter!" And again Mrs. Adams showed distress. "Couldn't
you?"

"No, I couldn't; I'm not goin' to throw away my good money like
that, and you can't tell what time o' night it'll be before she's
willin' to come home. What's the matter you payin' for one?"

"I haven't any money."

"Well, father----"