�I really can�t stay for another� apologized Bill, �I have to be getting home. How much do I owe you?�

�Its no problem sir� smiled the waitress. �The bill�s already been settled.�

�Huh?� remarked Bill confused.

�Gary is one of our premium customers� she explained. �We are not allowed to take any money from guests of our premium members��

�Oh� Well then I guess you�ve gained yourself a huge tip then, hey��

�We�re not allowed to accept any tips either� It�s already included in all of our premium member accounts.�

�OK then�� replied Bill, in reaction to her stubborn refusal, and headed out the door.

Strolling down the street Bill wondered what Joanne and the kids were doing at home. It was way too late to go to the ice-cream parlor and he tried to guess how much trouble he was in.�

�I�ll make it up to them tomorrow� he rationalized.

Walking up the front yard, Bill saw that the lounge light was still burning.

Joanne and the kids must be sitting down for dinner, he thought as he searched for his house key. Failing to find it, he knocked on the door instead.

The door opened slowly and the figure of Joanne stood in the short passageway with the dining room light burning down from behind.