Patty was full of confused thoughts, but eventually fell into deep sleep. She dreamt of a picnic on a blanket on a meadow, with fluffy clouds and lacy dolls and cozy petticoats.

 

Patty was all ready for school and on her way out, when Gram came from behind and said, “Don’t forget your bonnet, Patty!”

“But I already have on a hat, Grandmother.”  It was lacy and pinned close to her head.

“Oh! No! That is for inside!  Here.”  She fitted a large straw bonnet on Patty’s head, fussing to get it ‘just right’.  Patty hated these bonnets, for they stuck out from the front of her face (as was the fashion) and eliminated her peripheral vision.  Difficult thing when you were trying to make sure some boy wasn’t sneaking up on you to lift your skirts, as they were wont to do (she’d done it herself!).

Bad enough she was in dress, but the ribbons down her back and the bonnet would surely attract even harsher derision and taunting from the boys, even her best friends.

Today again her stays hurt, but not as badly.  She supposed she was getting used to the pressure.

“Good bye, Grandmother.”

“Have a pleasant day, dear.”

Right.  This will certainly be a pleasant day. “Yes, Grandmother.”