said Mrs. Melville as she saw her daughter ready to go to the tea party. “Don’t sit and dream and forget to talk, and don’t spill your tea—you’re so dreadfully clumsy—and, whatever you do, don’t stay too long.” “How long?” asked Tonia meekly. “You had better be home by half past five, but come away earlier if you see them getting bored…Oh dear, I’m not sure that hat suits you after all!” “Shall I change it?” “No, the green one is worse. I don’t know why we can’t find a hat to suit you. It’s your hair, or something.” Tonia could not change her hair, so she sighed heavily and started off. She had been looking forward to seeing Mr. Norman again, but now she wished with all her heart that she had refused his invitation. As she walked down the street and across the Dean Bridge—where as usual a stiff breeze was playing tricks with the hats of the passersby—Tonia tried to think of things to say, but she could think of nothing that would not sound trite or absurd.
