The Willoughbys

In the morning, Jane, Barnaby A, and Tim agree that the nanny’s room smells horrible. She matter-of-factly explains that she sprayed the room with insecticide and warns the children to hold their noses when they walk past lest they die horrible deaths, “writhing in pain” (36). When she makes oatmeal, Tim protests, stating that he and the others hate it, but Jane suggests that it could be better with raisins. Barnaby A adds that some brown sugar would help, and the nanny puts both suggestions to use. When the nanny tells Tim to be quiet and eat, Jane warns her that Tim will take her points away. This comment prompts the children to explain Tim’s point system to the nanny, in which they all start the day with 50 points and have them taken or added, depending on their behavior. The person with the most points gets to stay up late and be the first in the bath at the end of the day. Points can be taken away for things like yawning or having an idea that Tim deems to be inferior. The nanny decides to take control of the system, giving 20 points to Jane and the Barnabys for eating their oatmeal and warning Tim that his points will be taken away if he doesn’t at least try it.