His mother put it before him.
Suddenly he turned on her in a fury, his eyes flashing: "I'm NOT going to the office any more," he said.
"Why, what's the matter ?" his mother asked in surprise.

His sudden rages rather amused her.
"I'm NOT going any more," he declared.
"Oh, very well, tell your father so." He chewed his bun as if he hated it.
"I'm not--I'm not going to fetch the money." "Then one of Carlin's children can go; they'd be glad enough of the sixpence," said Mrs.Morel.
This sixpence was Paul's only income.

It mostly went in buying birthday presents; but it WAS an income, and he treasured it.

But-- "They can have it, then!" he said.

"I don't want it." "Oh, very well," said his mother.