Half Magic

After dinner, they all return home and play games. The children adore Mr. Smith because he is an adult who understands kids and treats them well. However, Jane acts oddly, not wanting to eat, not being friendly to Mr. Smith, and going to bed early.

It is not until lunchtime the following day that they are able to speak about their exploits in town. Grabbing the charm, Jane announces that she does not want to wish again. After some prodding, Jane reveals her anger that the children shared the magic with Mr. Smith, and now she worries that adults will take control of the charm. When Jane stalks off, the others realize that she dislikes Mr. Smith.

Retreating to her room, Jane feels worse because she treated her siblings terribly. However, she reluctantly admits why she is upset. She is the only one who remembers her father—the others were too young—and she worries that Mr. Smith will replace him.

While Jane stews in her thoughts, her siblings enter the room. Jane wants them to go away, but Martha insists they talk about Mr.