Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/140

 met. He's got everything and still he's not a bit stuck-up like some of the fellows in school."

"I'm sure he's very nice."

"His dad gave him that car for a birthday present."

"It must be wonderful to be able to buy things like that." And then she added, "You'll have to ask him over some evening … or would you want to?"

He smiled, understanding what she did not say. "I'd like to Mom … I'd like to very much. I want him to meet you … I told him about your bread."

"You didn't."

"Yes I did too."

"He wouldn't like my bread."

"Yes he would too … Even if he's got everything … I bet he never has had bread like yours …"

"His dad must be very wealthy."

"I guess so … He sure wears nice clothes … I wish I had some new clothes."

"We'll get you some new clothes."

"I'm not jealous mother but I …"

"I know you're not." She patted his shoulder; quickly understanding.

"I wish I had a car though. It don't hurt to wish, does it?"

"No … it doesn't hurt to wish … Maybe Dad will let you take the car to school a little later on."

"I can see that." He grinned in amused appreciation. "He'd never let me do that, but I don't care."

"I know you don't," she answered, touching his arm in an affectionate reassurance. "You must be patient with dad … he's worked so hard all his life, he doesn't mean all he says." Rogers nodded soberly, and she continued. "He just wants you to know the value of money."

"Don't worry," he told her. " I do. But if I ever have any, I'm going to know how to enjoy it more than Dad does. Every time I ask him for money you'd think I was asking for his last cent. I've done a lot of work for him Mother and I don't know why he's the way he is. He'd have to pay somebody else but no … he won't pay me. You 130