OR, Why did the boy in ‘Thank You Ma’am’ not run away though he found the door open?
At first, on being caught by Mrs Jones, Roger pleaded with her to set him freed and looked for an opportunity to run away. Later after being taken to Mrs Jones’ house, he got an opportunity to escape as the door which led to the hall was open but he did not feel the urge to. He got another chance to flee with Mrs Jones’ purse when she was busy preparing supper, but he did not do so. Mrs Jones’ kindness, her caring attitude towards him, her addressing him as ‘son’ and above all the unfolding of her past, brought a change in Roger. Motivated by her he did not want to lose her trust again. Hence he did not run away despite getting a few opportunities to do so.
What did Mrs Jones and Roger talk about while eating supper? What did Mrs Jones not ask Roger and why? What amount was offered by Mrs Jones to Roger?
Mrs Jones told Roger that she worked in a hotel beauty shop that stayed open till late. She also talked to him about the nature of her work and how all kinds of women came in and out of the shop, some were blondes, some were red-heads and while others were Spanish. This is what Mrs Jones and Roger talked about while eating supper.
Mrs Jones did not ask where the boy lived or about his parents because she did not want to embarrass him.
Mrs Jones offered ten dollars to Roger.