“With whom?”
“Some girls at the hotel. Very respectable and humble, Mammy. I didn’t have any trouble with them at all.”
“I don’t like it. And I’m sure your father wouldn’t like it.”
“So am I. But I’m used to that. It’s crabbed age and youth—”
“Don’t be disrespectful to your father! Bertie ...! Did you—have anything to drink?”
“Oh, yes! A couple of seltzer lemonades.”
“I mean—anything—intoxicating?”
“Nothing that intoxicated me, Mammy!”
“Don’t be so flippant and provoking! Bertie, I really feel in despair about you. Haven’t you any serious or—worthy thoughts or ambitions?”
“They haven’t come yet. But I’m only a child. Give me a chance!”