The Return of Peter Grimm

"But----"

"Oh, yes. It made a hit with father to have me study a lot of things that would only help a college professor. He's worked in the dirt, in overalls, all his life. And like most people who never had one, he sets a crazy value on so-called 'education.' But all this can't interest you," he finished ruefully.

"It does interest me. You know it does. But there's something I'd like to say to you if you won't be angry."

"At you? Why----"

"It's this: I want you so much to get on. Why won't you try harder to--to please Uncle Peter?"

"I do try. I'm square with him. That's the trouble. That's why I don't make more of a hit. He asks me my 'honest opinion' about something or other. I give it. Then he blows up."

"But if you'd try to be more tactful----"

"You said that once before to me, Miss Ka