[CHAPTER VIII]
FATHERS AND MOTHERS AND THINGS LIKE THAT
The Lady Who Likes Little Boys took Bobby into the house to get him ready while the man was bringing the 'mobile out to the gate. The car was waiting long before the Lady had Bobby ready. She was very slow about it; first she held him tight and ran her fingers through his hair; then she put his hat on, and took it off to smooth his hair again. Next she brushed his clothes. Finally she put the puppy in his arms and gathered up all the presents which Bobby was to take with him.
There came a sudden honking from the waiting 'mobile, the Lady hastily kissed Bobby, put on his hat for the last time, and led him out of the house. She helped Bobby into the car and very slowly arranged his presents about him in the back seat. Then, reluctantly, she closed the door.
"Aren't you coming with us, Alice?" asked the man. "The ride will do you good."
"No," she replied, "the day is over for me.
"Why, the sun hasn't not gone to bed—quite," said Bobby, for the edge of the round, red ball in the West had not yet touched the horizon.
"All right, son, we're off," said the man and honked the horn, and the wheels began to go slowly 'round.
"Wait, Alfred!" called his wife in an unsteady voice and her hands went out quickly towards Bobby.
The 'mobile came to a sudden stop, the Lady opened the door and snatched Bobby out and to her breast.