Manchurian Books

Mother did not approve of Poppy's "kisses," but
Missy argued to herself that the morning one, dependable as an alarm
clock, kept her from oversleeping.
She hugged Poppy, jumped out of bed, and began dressing. When she
got downstairs breakfast was ready and the house all sweetly
diffused with the dreamy shadows that come with a rainy day.
Father had heard the great news and bantered her: "So we've got a
society queen in our midst!"
"I think," put in Aunt Nettie, "that it's disgraceful the way they
put children forward these days."
"I wouldn't let Missy go if Mrs. Allen wasn't going to be there to
look after her," said mother.
"Mother, may I have the hem of my pink dress let down?" asked Missy.
At that father laughed, and Aunt Nettie might just as well have
said: "I told you so!" as put on that expression.
"It's my first real party," Missy went on, "and I'd like to look as
pretty as I can."
Something prompted father, as he rose from the table, to pause and
lay his hand on Missy's shoulder.
"Can't you get her a new ribbon or something, mother?" he asked.


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