Their dating relationship allegedly began shortly later, starting when she was a 17 year-old high school student (Allen was 42), and continuing until she was 19.[The meek sodbusters project heir own self-contempt and "womanish" cowardice onto Shane.] The drifter is again humiliated and shunned when his avoidance of violence, to lay aside his buckskin past, is mistaken for cowardice." To get him to accept the job as handyman and mechanic, Frank is offered a free hamburger and room and board, along with a modest salary: "A fine bed, box spring and mattress.Lucy: I know just how you feel.Jerry: What do you mean?Lucy: (She tosses the orange at him and he notices his incriminating mistake.