Page:The Art of Helping People Out of Trouble (1924).pdf/148

 "He's always heard his father talk that way," the social worker reminded the mother. "Besides, he thinks he has the right to do as he pleases because he earns his own money."

Thus far Mrs. Cavallo had shown no indication of any appreciation of Tony's side of the argument, except to change the subject after each of the social worker's comments. Now, however, she said:

"A friend tell me my husband say Tony come over there to see him. You, please, go over and see my husband and Tony."

"Will you take Tony back?" the social worker asked.

"Yes," answered Mrs. Cavallo, evidently from a variety of motives. "No good for Tony to be over there. We need Tony."

"Will you give him money from his pay and let him have a good time two or three nights a week?"

"Yes, I do that."

The social worker, having progressed thus far in helping the mother to a more reasonable attitude toward her son, now went to see the father, who was separated from his wife and was living in a neighboring city. Mr. Cavallo promised to tell