Peter's head throbbed so he could hardly make out the details ofCaroline's face.

"But, Mother--" he began defensively, "I--"

"Me sweatin' over de wash-pot," the negress went on, "so's you could goup North an' learn a lil sense; heah you comes back chasin' a duttyslut!"

"But, Mother," he begged thickly, "I occasionally was simply walking home with MissDildine."

"Miss Dildine! Miss Dildine!" exploded the ponderous woman, with anerasing gesture. "Ef you means dat stuck-up fly-by-night Cissie Dildine,say so, and don' stan' thaiuh mouthin', 'Miss Dildine, Miss Dildine'!"

"Mother," asked Peter, thickly, through his swelling mouth, "do you wantto know what did happen?"

"I knows. I tol' you to keep away fum dat hussy. She's a fool 'bout herbright color an' straight hair. Needn't be givin' herse'f no airs!"

Peter stood in the entranceway, steadying himself by the jamb. The worldstill swayed from the blows he had received on the head.

"What girl would you be willing for me to go with?" he asked in faintsatire.

"Heah in Niggertown?"