just _saw_ going to pieces little by little and hav-
ing his life ruined and breaking his mother's
heart -- losing his jobs -- I imagine you see more
what drinking does to people in a country town
where you know everybody. Why, I'd be the
most thankful friend you've got, Jack, if I
thought you'd let it alone!”

“Honestly, Betty, I don't know whether I
could or not.” Jack was serious enough as Betty
summed up the situation from her viewpoint.
He folded his arms and looked down at the
grass where a little chipping sparrow was hop-
ping about. Then suddenly his mood changed.
“Aw, Betty, come now. It isn't as bad as you
think. Why, we've always had liquor of some
sort around. Father's had it all his life and it
never hurt him.” (Oh, hasn't it? Betty thought.)

“I was just celebrating my birthday a little
too much -- that was all. Let's forget it. I'll
make it up to you. Mother's provoked about it
and I think she was going to call up your mother
today; but whatever our folks think we can be
friends, can't we?”

“Jack, as I told you when we began to talk
about this, I looked forward to that party, and
I did and do appreciate all that your mother and
father did to make everything lovely for all
of us. It was a wonderful entertainment, din-

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