On the way to Katie’s house, Howard made a last effort. “Do you think you’re going to love my mother, Katie?” he asked her.
“You just bet I am, Howard—she’s so sweet and kind.”
“Well, then—won’t you reconsider about living with her, dear?” he asked anxiously.
“No—I—I just can’t! I don’t know nothin’.” She blushed furiously as she made the admission. “I seen it to-night plainer than ever. I just got to learn a lot, before I could be around a woman like your mother!”
“But she’ll help you, dear—she’ll help you all the time,” he pleaded.
“No—I couldn’t stand that, Howard. I—I want to learn, and I will learn, but I just couldn’t have no woman tellin’ me what to do every minute. I wish I could make you understand—what I mean,” she said wistfully.
“I think I do understand,” he said gently, “and I love you so much I guess you’ll have to have it your way.”
“Gee, you are good, Howard—and some day when I learn everything, you’re goin’ to be proud of me!”
“Well, then,” he tried to throw off his disappointment, “I suppose you know I’ll have to take care of my mother.”
“Of course,” she answered emphatically. “It’s only right for you to do that.”