But Jack didn't hear what else, because Tom was calling him from the doorway. He went slowly across.
"Say, mate," said Tom in a low tone. "Stand by me. Things is not all right." Aloud he said: "Ma wants t' see ye, Jack."
Jack followed through the back premises, down the three steps into the parlour. It all seemed forlorn.
Ma sat with her face buried in her hands. Jack knitted his brows. Tom put his hand on her shoulder.
"What is it, Ma? What is it? I wouldn't be anything but good to yer, Ma, ye know that. Here's Jack Grant."
"Ye were always a good boy, Tom. I'm real glad t' see ye back. And Jack," said Ma through her hands.
Tom looked at Jack in dismay. Then he stooped and kissed her hair.
"You look to me," he said. "We'll fix everything all right, for Lennie 'n everybody."
But Ma still kept her face between her hands.
"There's nothing t' worry about, Ma, sure there isn't," persisted the distracted Tom. "I want y't' have everything you want, I do, you an' Lennie an' the kids."