After Roger attempts to steal Mrs. Jones's pocketbook, she grabs him by the neck, puts him in a half-nelson, and proceeds to drag him home. When Roger first arrives at Mrs. Jones's home, he contemplates running out the door as soon as she lets go of him. Roger initially fears that Mrs. Jones will call the police and is expecting to make a run for it when he steps into her home. As Roger stares at the door, the audience knows that he is thinking about running away.

However, Roger takes note of Mrs. Jones's instructions to wash his face in the sink, which is why he hesitates running away. At this moment, Roger may have realized that Mrs. Jones might be a benevolent, graceful woman who is not interested in the calling the authorities. Given the fact that Roger is quite hungry and Mrs. Jones has already inquired about his appetite, he may be thinking that she plans on feeding him after he washes his face. After weighing his options and assessing the situation, Roger finally decides to stay and eat with Mrs. Jones.