So on the last day of school before they break up for summer, Billy walks to school wearing his best and poshest party dress and clutching the doll he calls Deanna. All the other girls wear their best dresses too and some also bring their favourite doll whilst others bring a book, an heirloom, some craft or a toy. Instead of lessons they play games and have lots of fun, until show and tell which is a little tedious. Nervous children take turns standing at the front of the class and talk shyly about whatever item they’ve brought. When it’s Billy’s turn, he shyly introduces the class to his doll. “I named her Deanna after Deanna Durbin…” some of the girls giggle whilst others approve. “…and I made her dress out of an old apron…” he says “…and Mrs Postlethwaite gave me her for Christmas.”
The Petticoat & the Evacuee Scene 65
