Giving “The Bird” to Parental Plans.

“Another thing that's got to be cleared up is this career business. Don't think I'm asleep just because my eyes are closed. I'm wise to your discussions about my future. Future—nix! Don't you think I've got any ambitions of my own? You can wash out everything you ever thought of. Don't imagine that I'll button up at the back all my life. You only do it so I can't chew off my fastenings, anyway. If dad thinks I'm going to be a stool-pigeon he's crazy. He can put this in his cherry wood. If I can't be an engine-driver or a traffic cop on a motor-bike, or an air pilot or a cowboy movie hero or a pirate, I stick right here in my bassinette until I qualify for the old-age pension. And that's that.”