Manchurian Books

"Sis is rather thin."
"You are a very sharp-tongued little girl," mother said,
looking up at me. I am two inches taller than she is.
"Unless you learn to curb yourself, there will be no
parties for you, and no party dresses."
This was the speach that broke the Camel's back. I could
endure no more.
"I think," I said, "that I shall get married and end
everything."
Need I explain that I had no serious intention of taking
the fatal step? But it was not deliberate mendasity. It was
Despair.
Mother actually went white. She cluched me by the arm and
shook me.
"What are you saying?" she demanded.
"I think you heard me, mother" I said, very politely. I was
however thinking hard.
"Marry whom? Barbara, answer me."
"I don't know. Anybody."
"She's trying to frighten you, mother" Sis said. "There
isn't anybody. Don't let her fool you."
"Oh, isn't there?" I said in a dark and portentious manner.
Mother gave me a long look, and went out. I heard her go
into father's dressing-room. But Sis sat on my bed and watched
me.
"Who is it, Bab?" she asked.


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