It seems a shame tolet it rot away back there after
youve paid out all that money forit. After that there was nothing to do except to
curse and beat theirfists into the wall. And most of their money, too, Eugene cried.
They were what they were, and they had no more to say. Talking about me whenmy back
is turned, hey?
Arent you going to try to get any use out of it at
all?
Id like to study about it a little first. All
right, Helen said in a hard and hostile voice. Andthis also has been true of every
youth that ever walked the earth. Their curses,prayers, oaths, persuasions and
strangled cries availed themnothing. It all seems wonderful to you, and you
thinkthat you cant live without it, but you forget about it. Whos that sitting up
there in the front seat?
F-f-f-frankly, Id like to have the satisfaction of
knowing youd hadTHAT much out of it! Howd you like some great big wonderfulsliced
tomatoes with mayonnaise? Now Ivenever seen anything yet I couldnt do if I had to!
You are one of the young men whosework we are watching with the greatest interest .
Autumn had come sharp and quick that year.
Do yousee how she can rent that room out to any
cheap lodger who comesalong? Itsall given away to real-estate men or thrown away for
motor carsthey never use.
Doyou understand how she can ever bear to go back
in there?
Why, child, she said gravely, Id be afraid youd go
and hurtyourself. Must I have you around meevery moment of my life?
After that there was nothing to do except to curse
and beat theirfists into the wall. Youd get down on your hands and knees, and crawl
if he spoke toyou, wouldnt you?
A few leaves, sere and yellow, from the maplesin
the yard were drifting slowly to the ground.
Am Inever to get a moments peace or quiet? No, what
is more, she had evenrefused to sell it later, although a man had made her a good
offer.
Id like to study about it a little
first.
Dont criticize other people until you show youve
got it inyou to support yourself, she said. When he told him Blackstone, he demanded
at once that he leavethe service car and come with him. Must I have you around
meevery moment of my life?
Wy, whats there to be afraidof, in Gods
name?
Its time for you to quit this foolishness and get
ajob!
Now, his mother said sternly, as she levelled her
index finger athim, I want to tell you something!
I used to think that you couldchange
them.
She had beaten them all, and they knew
it.
Then, as she started to go, she added casually:
Honey, come onover for supper, if you want to.
Itsall given away to real-estate men or thrown away
for motor carsthey never use. No, child, she said gravely, as she shook herhead.