"But they was stole off me," said William wildly.
"So I gathered from your account," said Mr. Brown, politely.
"Well, is it fair to 'speck me to pay for things wot was stole off me?"
"I have already remarked that if I observed in you any sudden growth of such virtues as cleanliness, tidiness, obedience, silence, modesty—er—and the rest, I might myself contribute a little towards the waistcoat, say, or the collar and tie. We will now consider the discussion closed."
"It's ever so long past your bedtime, William," said Mrs. Brown. "Do go to bed. I simply can't bear to see you wearing that dreadful thing any longer."
With a glance of sorrowful anger at his parents William drew his table-cloth about him and prepared to depart. He felt injured, infuriated, ill-treated, and weary. His self-esteem was cruelly hurt. Screams of laughter came from the next room where his grown-up brother and sister were relating his adventures to a friend.
The telephone-bell rang.
"William, someone wants to speak to you."
He took the receiver unsmilingly.
"William, Daddy said I could ring you up to say good-night to you. I was so sorry I couldn't go home with you. William, I don't think you looked a bit funny in those things—I think you looked nice in the tablecloth and it wasn't your fault—and you were awfully brave about it—and wasn't it fun—the desert island part?—I did enjoy it—we'll play a game like that again soon, won't we?—Good-night, William darling."