I couldn’t imagine why she wanted it. To whom would she write? “There’s stationery in the desk in the library,” Ida said. “Yes, but I want my own to keep upstairs in the drawer in my table,” Coleman said. “I’ve been thinkin’ I should ask Mr. Sherrill for pocket money and an allowance.” “Why do you need an allowance?” I asked. “We give you everything you need.” “Everybody gets pocket money,” Coleman said. “Freddy gets it, and all the Byrd children at school. In books people get pocket money, like in Little Women. Dinah and I should, too. We need it for private things like stationery and stamps, and Christmas presents. Is it all right if I call Mr. Sherrill?” Why does this matter so much? I’m worried that it means problems ahead. “Of course you may call him,” Ida said. There was no time before school, but Coleman called Mr. Sherrill as soon as she got home that afternoon, and after they chatted a few minutes, Coleman said he wanted to speak to Miss Ida.
