“But you promised to try, dear. Did you?”
“I did try at first. There was a meeting in the auditorium last week and there was a man there to talk. He used to be a friend of Roosevelt and he was Miller’s cousin. They always play the Star Spangled Banner and you’re supposed to stand at attention, and I didn’t.”
“But why didn’t you?” said Bob. Blake said nothing. He couldn’t explain. It had been a sudden rush of anger at everything; he couldn’t put that feeling into words for Bob.
“Well, dear, and then?”
“I was called up to Miller and we had a fight about everything that had happened. There was something else; a silly old fight about making too much noise in the library.”
Blake’s eyes met Teddy’s, and he thought he saw the other boy nod at him. He was a little comforted.
“Well, well, well,” said Bob, standing up, “it’s a revolutionary age. We mustn’t take these things too seriously, Mary. Remember, we all outgrow it. I must be getting along. Come on, Ted. Remember Tuesday.”
He patted Blake’s head, kissed Mary, and went out. Teddy nodded casually and followed him. He looked a little embarrassed.
Mary patted Blake’s head, too, but she couldn’t think of anything to say. He put down a cookie on the table and said, “I’m awfully sorry. I couldn’t help it, honestly.”
“I know. But I’m a little worried. What will you do in the fall?”