Eddie is reluctant to attend his first day of school, and refuses to stay once he arrives. Although Tom finally convinces Eddie he must return the next day, the transition still proves to be difficult. When a bully makes fun of the fact that Eddie has no mother, Eddie strikes the boy and ends up with a black eye. Tom feels he should protect Eddie from the world a little while longer, and get him a tutor - until Mrs. Livingston points out that this would be unwise. He then decides to use reverse psychology to make Eddie want to go to school. Tom announces to Eddie that he will teach him at home with a rigorous course of study. The plan backfires at first, until Tom plays his trump card - he tells Eddie they will no longer be able to afford Mrs. Livingston if Tom gives up his job to teach him.