"Ah, yes, the big umbrella-like things. I've seen them in the pictures."
"Not at all," corrected Roger crossly.
Ernest spoke suddenly, very firmly but without raising his gentle voice. "I'm sorry to go against your wishes, Papa, but I'm going, just the same."
His father's mouth opened in astonishment. There was silence for a moment, broken by a sob from Mamma Wolf. Then Papa Wolf roared: "So that's it! You are of age. But disobedience I will not countenance. If you go, never again can you live in my house."
"Oh, Karl!" cried Mamma Wolf.
Elsa sniffed audibly. "What a tempest over a little thing! Uncle Hugo, have some more beer?"
"I must be going," said Hugo, taking the beer nevertheless.
"So must I," exclaimed Roger, rising hastily. "Then it's settled, Ernest?"
Ernest leaned over to take another sandwich. "It's settled. Don't cry, Mütterchen. I'll bring you home a horned toad and you can make me a bed and serve my meals in the garage."
Roger took Mamma Wolf's hand and kissed her cheek. "Good night, dear," he whispered.