"Not fair? Why not? Are you ashamed of him?"
"No, I'm not ashamed of him. Ernie is a dear sweet boy. He lost both of his parents when he was very young. Bringing himself up has made him different from most people, I guess. But he has done very well. And all by himself, too. He's an OE, you know."
This only added heat to J.L.'s burning suspicion. "I don't want to sound narrow minded, Glory, but I've met a good many Opinion Engineers in business and darned few of them are fit company for a young girl. They picture themselves as independent thinkers. They don't spend their money as they should."
Glory's lips whitened as she pressed them together. J.L. saw the gathering storm in her eyes. "That's not fair," she said. "Ernie is perfectly all right. He just needs looking after. Mother, help me."
Marge smiled calmly, and said, "Your father is just acting like a father, that's all. He is trying to protect you."
"Well, I'm twenty years old, almost. And it's practically the twenty-first century, but it looks like the middle ages around here. I'm sorry I asked him to come. I'll never ask anyone again." She threw her head back and pressed the back of her hand to her forehead.
"Now don't start getting dramatic. I only want what's best for you, J.L. said. But it was only bluff. He knew when he was licked.
"All right, all right," he said, trying to prevent her tears from brimming over. "I promise to be good tonight." It was time for him to retreat, as gracefully as possible, to his study and the latest issue of Consumer's Guide.
Which he did.